Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Warns of Further Retaliation Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel

In a rare public appearance, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered a powerful speech on Friday, defending the country’s missile strikes on Israel earlier in the week and signaling Iran’s readiness to take further action if provoked. Speaking before thousands at the Mosalla Mosque in Tehran, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would not hesitate to repeat such attacks should Israel continue its aggressive actions.

On Tuesday, Iran launched close to 200 missiles aimed at Israeli targets, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. While Israel intercepted many of the missiles, a handful reached their targets, causing limited damage. There were no immediate reports of casualties. In his speech, Khamenei hailed the missile strike as a “clear and necessary response” to what he described as Israel’s “ongoing crimes” in the region, specifically referencing the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

The supreme leader referred to the attack as the “minimum punishment” Israel could face and reaffirmed Iran’s position as a leading power in the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hezbollah and Hamas. He also urged the people of Lebanon, Palestine, and other Arab nations to remain vigilant and united in their resistance against Israeli aggression.

Khamenei’s remarks came amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with both countries intensifying their military postures in recent months. Israeli strikes have targeted senior leaders of Iran-backed groups, leading to casualties within Hezbollah and the Revolutionary Guards. In response, Khamenei reiterated Iran’s support for these groups and hinted at more retaliatory measures if Israel continues to act militarily.

In Washington, U.S. officials closely monitored the situation, with President Joe Biden suggesting that discussions regarding a potential Israeli response, including targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure, were ongoing. Tensions remain high as both Israel and Iran weigh their next moves in what could become a broader conflict across the Middle East.

Iran has long provided military and financial backing to Hezbollah and Hamas, groups central to the ongoing conflict with Israel. Despite facing domestic challenges and widespread unrest, Khamenei’s appearance was seen as a demonstration of the regime’s resilience and willingness to confront its adversaries head-on, even as the prospect of a larger regional war looms over the Middle East.

The Iranian leadership warned that any Israeli retaliation would be met with a swift and decisive response, further inflaming an already volatile situation. Khamenei concluded his speech by reiterating Iran’s commitment to supporting Palestine and other “resisting” nations and groups in their fight against Israeli occupation.