In a rare and defiant Friday sermon, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to defeat the country’s “enemies,” reaffirming his support for Palestinian and Lebanese resistance movements against Israel.
Addressing tens of thousands of supporters at a mosque in Tehran, Khamenei declared that Israel would not succeed against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. His sermon, the first in five years, comes at a tense time, following a missile strike on Israel that he labeled a “public service.”
“Israel will not in any way prevail against Hamas or Hezbollah,” Khamenei asserted, as the crowd chanted in solidarity with the resistance movements.
Khamenei Praises Hezbollah and ‘martyr’ Hassan Nasrallah
Khamenei paid special tribute to Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last week. Calling Nasrallah a martyr, Khamenei said, “Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is no longer with us, but his spirit and his path will continue to inspire us forever. He was the high standing flag against the Zionist enemy. His martyrdom will further increase this influence.”
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The Supreme Leader also referred to Hezbollah as a “blessed tree” that grew under Nasrallah’s leadership and vowed that his legacy would continue to motivate those resisting Israel’s influence in the region. He added, “The loss of Nasrallah is not in vain. We must stand up against the enemy while strengthening our unwavering faith.”
Continued Support for Lebanon and Palestinians
Khamenei’s speech also called on Muslims worldwide to support Lebanon’s “jihad” and the battle for the al-Aqsa mosque, stressing the importance of standing with the “blooded people of Lebanon.” His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with threats against the Iranian leader’s life reportedly increasing in recent months.
The speech underscores Iran’s continued commitment to opposing Israel, with Khamenei positioning the country as a key player in regional conflicts involving groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.