Khamenei Calls Iran’s Missile Strikes on Israel “Correct and Lawful” During Rare Public Address

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, delivered a rare public sermon on Friday at the Grand Mosalla Mosque in Tehran, asserting that the recent missile strikes on Israel were “correct, logical, and lawful.” He referred to these attacks as the “minimum punishment” for what he described as Israel’s “astonishing crimes.” This address marked Khamenei’s first time leading Friday prayers since 2020, coming just three days after Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Khamenei spoke partially in Arabic to connect with Palestinian and Lebanese supporters, emphasizing Iran’s backing of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. He praised their roles, claiming they provide “vital service to the entire region and the entire Islamic world.” The supreme leader declared that Iran-aligned armed factions “will not back down” in their ongoing conflict with Israel, which he characterized as escalating following Hamas’s deadly attacks nearly a year ago.

Khamenei’s public appearance is seen as a significant move to assert strength amid growing domestic dissatisfaction with the regime. This event was particularly crucial after recent reports suggested he had been moved to a secure location following the assassination of Nasrallah. The mosque was packed with supporters, many of whom were provided free transportation to attend, and a large Palestinian flag was displayed prominently among the crowd.

Despite holding ultimate authority in Iran, Khamenei rarely leads Friday prayers, with his last instance occurring in 2020 after the U.S. killed Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s top military commander. The regime is still coping with the impact of the recent losses of key allies like Nasrallah and Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran in July—an act widely attributed to Israeli operatives, although Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement.

Khamenei further warned that Iran would respond if Israel retaliates for the missile attacks, stating, “If we needed to do that again, we would do it again in the future.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden recently indicated that discussions about a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure had taken place, as Israel considers its options in responding to Tehran’s actions.