Sat Sep 28 18:59:33 UTC 2024: ## Iran’s Khamenei Vows Support for Hezbollah After Nasrallah’s Death, Warns Israel of “Regret”
Following reports of the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned Israel’s actions and rallied support for the Lebanese group. Khamenei called on Muslims worldwide to “stand by the people of Lebanon and the proud Hezbollah”, emphasizing the group’s “solid structure” and Israel’s inability to inflict “significant damage.”
While not explicitly confirming Nasrallah’s death, Khamenei described Israel’s policy as “short-sighted” and the strikes on Lebanon as “criminal.” He warned Israel that it would “regret its actions” and that the “fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance,” with Hezbollah at the forefront.
Analysts suggest that the killing of Nasrallah, a key ally of Iran, represents a major blow to Iranian influence in the region. However, Khamenei’s statement, while not outlining specific actions, is interpreted as a sign of continued support for Hezbollah and the fight against Israel.
Iranian political analyst Mohammad Marandi, currently in Beirut, believes Israel’s military campaign has backfired, uniting Lebanon against it and sparking anger across the Global South. He expects future developments that will surprise Israel, pointing to Hezbollah’s numerous trained commanders ready to take over.
This latest escalation marks a significant turning point in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with potential repercussions for the wider Middle East. The immediate future remains uncertain, with experts anticipating further developments in the coming days and weeks.
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