Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared that the ongoing resistance of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah symbolizes a persistent setback for Israel. Addressing Iran’s Assembly of Experts, Khamenei stated that despite Israel’s efforts to eliminate these groups, they continue to hold ground in Gaza and Lebanon, defying Israel’s goals.
“Israel hoped to eliminate Hamas, but instead, it has isolated itself internationally,” Khamenei asserted, referencing Israel’s recent airstrikes and military actions. He added that Israel’s campaign to quash resistance by targeting leaders has failed, as groups continue to fight. Khamenei pointed to Hezbollah’s growth over the past four decades, from a small faction to a formidable force capable of repelling Israeli advances in Lebanon.
Khamenei’s remarks come shortly after he pledged a “tooth-crushing response” to the U.S. and Israel following recent airstrikes on Iranian provinces. In response to escalating tensions, the United States has bolstered Israel’s defenses with advanced missile systems and personnel, alongside deploying additional military assets in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a large-scale military operation in Sistan and Baluchestan province, targeting the Jaish al-Adl separatist group, which it considers linked to Israel. The operation follows a recent attack by Jaish al-Adl that killed 10 Iranian soldiers. In retaliation, Iranian and Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes, resulting in the reported deaths of 12 Jaish al-Adl members, including two commanders.
Despite growing international tension, Iranian officials have expressed confidence in their preparedness for a potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said the re-election would not alter Iran’s stance, noting that “the policies of the U.S. and the Islamic Republic are largely fixed.”
However, Trump’s potential comeback has already impacted Iran’s economy, with the national currency, the rial, plummeting to a record low against the dollar, reflecting the economic strain from existing U.S. sanctions.
