Iran’s Supreme Leader Praises Missile Strike on Israel, Vows to Do It Again if Necessary
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, praised the country’s recent missile strike on Israel and said it was ready to do it again if necessary, state TV reported.
Missile Strike
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first appearance as leader at Friday prayers in about five years, called the missile strike a “shining” job by Iran’s armed forces.
On Tuesday, Iran launched at least 180 missiles at Israel, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its allies that threaten to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide conflict. Israel said it intercepted many of the missiles, and officials in Washington said U.S. destroyers assisted in Israel’s defense.
Iran said most of its missiles hit their targets. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Khamenei’s Speech
Khamenei, 85, said in a 40-minute speech to thousands of people at the Mosalla mosque, the main prayer site in Tehran, that the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel nearly a year ago on Oct. 7, 2023, was a legitimate action by the Palestinian people.
He said Tuesday’s missile barrage was based on international law, the country’s law and Islamic beliefs.
He urged nations from “Afghanistan to Yemen and from Iran to Gaza and Yemen” to be ready to take action against the enemy, and praised those who had died doing so.
“Our resisting people in Lebanon and Palestine, you brave fighters, you loyal and patient people, these martyrdoms and the blood that was shed shouldn’t shake your determination but make you more persistent,” he said.
Khamenei gave half of the speech in Arabic as he addressed his comments to Arab nations.
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Iran’s Relations with Hezbollah
A ceremony commemorating the death of Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was held before Khamenei’s speech. Most high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and top Revolutionary Guard generals, attended the ceremony.
Iran is Hezbollah’s main backer and has sent weapons and billions of dollars to the group.
Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where he was expected to discuss ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah with Lebanese officials.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran sent a shipment of aid to Lebanon, including 10 tons of food and medicine.
Conclusion
The recent missile strike by Iran on Israel has raised tensions in the Middle East, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of Iran’s missile strike on Israel?
A: The purpose of the missile strike was to defend Iran’s interests and those of its allies in the region.
Q: How many missiles were launched by Iran?
A: At least 180 missiles were launched by Iran.
Q: Did Israel intercept any of the missiles?
A: Yes, Israel said it intercepted many of the missiles.
Q: Were there any casualties reported?
A: No, there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Q: What is the current situation in the Middle East?
A: The situation in the Middle East is volatile, with tensions between Israel and Iran and its allies escalating rapidly.