In a rare public address, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, defended the country’s missile strikes on Israel, labeling them as “correct, logical, and lawful.” Speaking to a vast crowd during Friday prayers in Tehran, Khamenei stated that the strikes were the “minimum punishment” for what he described as Israel’s “astonishing crimes.”
The missile attack, which took place earlier in the week, saw nearly 200 missiles fired at Israel. Iran claims this was retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which the country attributed to Israeli forces. It is the first time Khamenei has led Friday prayers since 2020, underscoring the significance of the moment.
Khamenei also delivered part of his speech in Arabic, aiming to rally support from Palestinian and Lebanese factions. He reaffirmed Iran’s strong backing of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, describing them as key players in the region’s fight against Israel. “These armed groups will not retreat,” Khamenei said, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to what is commonly referred to as the “Axis of Resistance.”
Iran remains a leading supporter of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other factions opposing Israel in the Middle East. Recent weeks have seen a number of Iranian-backed leaders and members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards killed in Israeli airstrikes or targeted assassinations.
Khamenei’s rare public appearance is seen as an attempt to project strength amid growing domestic unrest in Iran. The supreme leader’s sermon at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque drew tens of thousands, many of whom were provided free transportation to attend. A large Palestinian flag was visible in the crowd, signaling continued solidarity with Palestine.
This marks Khamenei’s first appearance leading Friday prayers since the U.S. assassination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Khamenei’s address comes at a time when Iran is still reeling from the deaths of key allies, including Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran in July.
The Iranian leader also issued a warning to Israel, vowing retaliation if Israel responds to the missile strikes. “If we needed to do that again, we would do it again in the future” Khamenei declared.
U.S. President Joe Biden hinted at ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Israel regarding a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure as Israel considers its response to Tehran’s actions.
