'Duty Of All Muslims To Help Lebanon': Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Warns Israel In First Friday Sermon In Five Years

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel "won't last long" while expressing support for Palestinian and Lebanese groups in his first Friday sermon in five years.

Speaking to a large crowd at a Tehran mosque, Khamenei defended missile strikes against Israel, labeling them as a "public service," NDTV reported.

With a gun by his side, he proclaimed that Israel would not overcome Hamas or Hezbollah, as the crowd chanted "we are with you" in solidarity.

This sermon signifies a bold stance amid ongoing threats to his safety. He is considered a primary target for Israel, which has vowed to retaliate following recent missile strikes.

In his address, Khamenei honored Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous week.

Calling Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah 'the high-standing flag against the Zionist enemy', he said, "His martyrdom will further increase this influence. The loss of Nasrallah is not in vain."

Khamenei also referred to Hezbollah as a "blessed tree" that has flourished under Nasrallah's leadership and vowed to stand up against the enemy.

"It is the duty and responsibility of all Muslims to support the oppressed people of Lebanon and assist in the struggle for al-Aqsa mosque," he urged.

Supporting Hamas, Khamenei described their 7 October attacks on Israel as the "correct move" and said that no international law can object to the Lebanese and Palestinians standing up against the occupation.

Khamenei further described Israel as a "tool" of the United States used to exert control over the region's resources. Iran continues to support both Hamas and Hezbollah in their respective conflicts.

The Supreme Leader had previously led Friday prayers in January 2020, following a missile attack on a US military base in Iraq after the assassination of top Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani.