Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Israel “will not last long” during a rare Friday sermon at Tehran’s Mosalla Grand Mosque. Before tens of thousands of supporters, Khamenei led Friday prayers for the first time in years. This marked his first public appearance since Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
A large crowd attending the Mosalla Grand Mosque was seen waving flags of Palestine, Hezbollah and Lebanon. With a gun at his side, Iran’s Supreme Leader declared that Israel would not succeed against Hamas or Hezbollah. In response to which the crowd in the mosque chanted “we are with you” throughout the premises.
As tensions rise in the region, Israel, backed by the United States, has vowed to retaliate against the recent missile barrage. Ayatollah Khamenei’s first Friday sermon in five years marks a significant show of defiance amid continuing threats to his life.
In his speech, Khamenei also praised Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last week.
“Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah may no longer be with us, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us indefinitely. It was a prominent symbol of resistance against the Zionist enemy. His martyrdom will only increase this influence. Nasrallah’s loss will not be in vain. We must unite against the enemy and at the same time strengthen our unwavering faith,” Khamenei told attendees.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, who supports the Palestinian group Hamas, described its October 7 attacks on Israel as a “correct measure.” He stressed that no international law should prevent the Lebanese and Palestinians from defending themselves against the occupation. Addressing thousands of people during his 40-minute speech, Khamenei described the attack as a legitimate act of the Palestinian people.
Khamenei, 80, speaking after a prayer ceremony for Nasrallah, characterized Israel as a “tool” of the United States used to exert control over regional lands and resources.
Khamenei delivered half of his speech in Arabic, directing his comments specifically at Arab nations.
“Our people who resist in Lebanon and Palestine, you brave fighters, you loyal and patient people, these martyrdoms and the blood that was shed should not weaken your determination, but make you more persistent,” he said.
Before Khamenei’s speech, a ceremony was held in honor of the late Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The event was attended by many senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and top generals of the Revolutionary Guard. Iran, Hezbollah’s main supporter, has provided the group with weapons and billions of dollars.
The Iranian leader last led Friday prayers in January 2020, following a missile attack on a US army base in Iraq that was a response to the assassination of top Revolutionary Guard commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran continues to support both Hamas and Hezbollah, which are in conflict with Israel on its southern and northern fronts.
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