Sat Sep 28 21:59:12 UTC 2024: ## Iran Vows Revenge for Hezbollah Leader’s Death in Israeli Strike
**Beirut/Tehran** – Iran has vowed to avenge the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, announced five days of mourning in Iran, calling Nasrallah a “martyr” and a “school of thought” that would continue.
The Israeli military claimed Nasrallah was killed while commanding imminent attacks and that he had the blood of thousands on his hands. However, the strike has sparked fears of a wider conflict in the region, following months of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Iranian media reported that an Iranian Revolutionary Guards general, Gen Abbas Nilforoushan, was also killed in the Israeli strike. While there has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities, the IRGC-linked Saberin News outlet confirmed Nilforoushan’s death, stating he was “martyred” in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut.
Despite the loss of key figures, Ayatollah Khamenei has refrained from directly vowing retaliation. Instead, he called on Muslims to support Hezbollah and its “resistance” against Israel.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Iran has been in constant contact with Hezbollah and other allies to determine their next steps, while also taking heightened security measures for the Ayatollah.
The Israeli strike levelled several buildings in Dahieh, which the Israeli military claimed housed Hezbollah’s central headquarters. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, but did not comment on the Israeli claim that other commanders were killed alongside him.
The strike has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East program at Chatham House, stated that Iran may seek to retaliate with a coordinated response from its allies, including Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen, or a direct strike on Israel.
The Israeli city of Tel Aviv was put on high alert after the Houthis launched a missile in support of Hezbollah, which was intercepted by the Israeli military. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq also claimed responsibility for drone attacks on northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.
The escalation of violence comes amid growing tensions in the region, fueled by the 7 October attacks and the war in the Gaza Strip. Diplomats are expressing concern over the situation and are attempting to de-escalate the situation.
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