In a strongly worded statement, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that Lebanon will make Israel “regret their actions,” further escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East region.
Khamenei, speaking through his official website, emphasized the significant role of what he referred to as “forces of resistance” in shaping the future of the region. The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront,” he stated, referencing the Axis of Resistance—a coalition of Iran-aligned groups that includes Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis.
The Supreme Leader condemned Israel’s military operations, specifically accusing the “Zionist regime” of failing to learn from past conflicts, including the war in Gaza. The terror gang ruling the Zionist regime did not learn from their one-year criminal war in Gaza and failed to understand that the mass killing of women, children, and civilians cannot affect the solid construction of the resistance organization and destroy it,” Khamenei said. He added, “Now they are trying the same foolish policy in Lebanon.
Khamenei dismissed Israel’s capability to effectively target Hezbollah, describing Israel as “too small” to inflict significant damage. All the resistance forces of the region are with Hezbollah and support it,” Khamenei asserted, in defiance of Israel’s reported assassination of a Hezbollah leader.
The Iranian leader also condemned what he called the killing of “defenceless people of Lebanon,” attributing this to “short-sightedness and the foolish policies” of Israeli leadership. He called upon Muslims worldwide to support Lebanon and Hezbollah in “confronting the usurping and oppressive regime.
Khamenei notably did not mention Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in his comments, instead focusing on broader regional dynamics and Iran’s role in supporting resistance movements. His statement underscores Iran’s ongoing commitment to backing armed groups that oppose Israel, raising concerns that these remarks could heighten diplomatic tensions and potentially lead to new confrontations involving Israel, Lebanon, and other Iran-backed forces.
Khamenei’s statement is seen as a stark warning amidst rising instability in the region, following recent clashes and military activity involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Observers fear that any further escalation could ignite a broader conflict involving various actors in the Middle East.
