DUBAI — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Muslims to support Lebanon and Hezbollah following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike. Khamenei urged Muslims to use all means available to help confront Israel, labeling the Israeli regime as “wicked.”
In a statement issued after the Israeli military confirmed Nasrallah’s death, Khamenei emphasized that the “fate of the region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront.” Iranian state media also reported the death of General Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who was killed alongside Nasrallah in the strikes on southern Beirut.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held the United States partly responsible, citing America’s long-standing military support for Israel. He stated, “The Americans cannot deny their complicity with the Zionists.” Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani vowed that Nasrallah’s mission would continue, saying his “holy goal will be realized in the liberation of Jerusalem.”
Two regional officials told Reuters that Khamenei has been moved to a secure location within Iran, and security measures have been heightened. Iran is reportedly in close communication with Hezbollah and other regional proxy groups to decide on the next course of action following Nasrallah’s killing.