In a rare public address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a fiery Friday sermon, asserting that Israel “won’t last long” as he voiced strong support for the Palestinian and Lebanese movements against the Israeli state. Khamenei, who typically refrains from public speeches, used this significant platform to justify Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, framing them as a “public service” aimed at resisting Zionist aggression.
Speaking to tens of thousands of loyal supporters at Tehran’s iconic mosque, Khamenei stood by a podium, a gun placed by his side, symbolizing his unyielding stance against what he calls Israeli oppression. He proclaimed that Israel would ultimately fail in its struggles against Hamas and Hezbollah, militant groups backed by Iran. The crowd’s chants of “We are with you” reverberated throughout the mosque, amplifying the tense atmosphere that surrounded the supreme leader’s address.
This marked Khamenei’s first Friday sermon in over five years, a clear message of defiance against the growing threats posed to his leadership. His speech also came amid heightened tensions in the region, as Israel continues to retaliate against Iranian-supported forces. Israel has identified Khamenei as a key target, following Iran’s involvement in missile attacks on Israeli infrastructure earlier in the week. The escalating conflict underscores the precarious nature of the Iran-Israel relationship and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.
Khamenei Praises Nasrallah and Hezbollah’s Enduring Strength
During his sermon, Khamenei paid tribute to the late Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, former leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, who was assassinated in an Israeli strike. Khamenei described Nasrallah as a martyr whose “spirit and path will continue to inspire” generations of fighters in the battle against Israel. According to Khamenei, Nasrallah’s martyrdom will not be in vain but will serve as a rallying point for those opposed to the Zionist regime.
Hezbollah, Khamenei emphasized, is a “blessed tree” that grew under Nasrallah’s leadership, gaining strength and expanding its influence across the region. Khamenei called on all Muslims to rally behind Lebanon’s cause, particularly in the ongoing struggle for Al-Aqsa Mosque, a sacred site central to both the Palestinian cause and Islamic solidarity. He insisted that Muslims have a duty to support Lebanon’s jihad against Israel and urged them to join the broader resistance movement.
In particular, Khamenei praised Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, labeling them as the “correct move” against Israeli occupation. These attacks, in Khamenei’s view, were not only justified but necessary in order to push back against Israel’s aggression in the region. He firmly argued that no international law should be able to protest the actions of the Palestinians or the Lebanese, as they are merely defending their lands and rights from an occupying force.
Israel as a Tool of U.S. Hegemony in the Middle East
Beyond expressing support for Palestinian and Lebanese resistance, Khamenei’s sermon took direct aim at Israel’s role in the Middle East. He accused Israel of being nothing more than a “tool” used by the United States to exert control over the region’s resources and strategic positions. According to Khamenei, Israel’s existence is contingent on American backing, and without it, the Israeli state would have no solid foundation.
Khamenei stated, “The Zionist entity is fake, unstable, and only exists because of American support.” He argued that the Zionists and Americans are both driven by imperialist motives, seeking to dominate the Middle East through Israel. Khamenei also predicted that the Zionist regime would soon be “uprooted from the ground” due to its lack of roots in the region. His rhetoric echoed longstanding Iranian views that portray Israel as an illegitimate entity in the Muslim world, artificially sustained by Western powers.
This narrative aligns with Iran’s broader geopolitical strategy, which seeks to expand its influence across the Middle East while weakening Israel’s presence. Khamenei’s support for Hezbollah and Hamas reflects Iran’s strategic alliances with these militant groups, which act as proxies in the broader conflict between Iran and Israel. These alliances are not only military in nature but also ideological, as Iran positions itself as the leading force against Zionist expansion in the region.
Khamenei’s Sermon: A Clear Challenge to Israel and Its Allies
Khamenei’s speech came just days after Iran launched 180 missiles targeting crucial infrastructure in Israel. This large-scale attack, which disrupted Israeli defense systems and logistics, was seen as a direct challenge to Israel’s military supremacy in the region. It also served as a precursor to Khamenei’s sermon, signaling that Iran is prepared to escalate its actions if necessary.
The timing of Khamenei’s sermon is also significant, as it falls just three days before the first anniversary of the Israel-Gaza war, a conflict that saw significant loss of life and destruction in the region. Khamenei’s bold rhetoric and refusal to back down from supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas suggest that the tensions between Iran and Israel are likely to continue escalating.
The supreme leader’s rare public appearance underscores Iran’s intent to play a central role in shaping the future of the Middle East, particularly when it comes to challenging Israel’s presence in the region. His message resonates not only with Iranians but also with a broader Muslim audience who view the Palestinian cause as a symbol of resistance against Western imperialism.
Implications for Regional and Global Stability
Khamenei’s defiance has broad implications for both regional and global security. The escalating Iran-Israel conflict has already drawn in other regional actors, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar among those closely monitoring the situation. Israel’s alliances with the United States and Europe ensure that any military engagement involving Iran would likely have global repercussions, potentially drawing in NATO forces or other international actors.
The Iran-Israel relationship, fraught with deep-seated animosity and conflicting interests, is now at one of its most dangerous points in decades. Khamenei’s sermon is a stark reminder of how intertwined ideology, religion, and politics are in this ongoing conflict. As Iran continues to support militant groups targeting Israel, and Israel vows retaliatory measures, the future of Middle Eastern stability remains uncertain.
