Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly gone into hiding at a secure location within the country, according to sources cited by Reuters. This decision follows Israel’s airstrikes outside Beirut on Friday, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s leader and founding member, Hassan Nasrallah.
Sources have revealed that Iran has contacted Hezbollah and other regional proxy forces to discuss potential responses to Nasrallah’s killing. In a statement on Saturday, Khamenei emphasized, “The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront.”
While announcing five days of public mourning, Khamenei hailed Nasrallah as “the flag-bearer of resistance” in the region, stating, “The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged.”
Reports indicate that the Israeli strikes also killed Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Over the past two weeks, Israel has targeted several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders in Beirut, intensifying the conflict.
Earlier this month, a significant explosion occurred in Lebanon, triggered by explosives hidden in devices used by Hezbollah, resulting in numerous casualties. Israel is widely believed to be behind the attack, although it has not confirmed or denied responsibility. An Iranian security official revealed that the Revolutionary Guards are conducting extensive inspections of communication devices, suspecting infiltration by Israeli agents.
In the wake of Nasrallah’s death, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tehran, expressing their anger with chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to Netanyahu the murderer.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian partially blamed the U.S. for the assassination, asserting that Washington’s support for Israel implicates it in the incident.
Following the escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on October 8, a day after Hamas’s unprecedented attack, which killed around 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. Since then, both sides have engaged in escalating cross-border strikes, with Iran’s proxies—including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—launching attacks in response to the conflict.
In his first remarks since Nasrallah’s killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that targeting Nasrallah was crucial for achieving Israel’s objectives, labeling him “the terrorist.” He expressed hope that this action would facilitate the return of displaced Israelis and pressure Hamas to release hostages.
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, condemning the Israeli attacks and warning against strikes on Iranian diplomatic missions. He asserted that Iran would take necessary measures to protect its national interests.
As tensions continue to rise, the implications of these developments could significantly alter the dynamics in the region.
Key Points:
– Khamenei in hiding after Nasrallah’s assassination.
– Iran considers response with regional proxies.
– Escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Stay informed on the latest developments in this ongoing situation.