Khamenei Delivers Sermon Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a rare Friday sermon at Tehran's historic Imam Khomeini Mosque, emphasizing deterrence against Israeli aggression and asserting that Israel 'won't last long'. Khamenei's appearance, holding a Russian-made rifle, symbolized Iran's readiness to confront Israel following recent escalations, including the assassination of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and subsequent Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv. The sermon, his first since Iran's missile attacks on Israel, sought to boost national morale amid recent military setbacks and highlighted Iran's concerns about Israeli infiltration within its ranks. Khamenei warned Hezbollah's Nasrallah to flee Lebanon before his death, indicating deep Iranian fears about security breaches in Tehran. This address, laden with historical and symbolic significance, was closely watched for clues about Iran's future intentions in the volatile Middle East environment. The ongoing conflict underscores the strategic complexities and potential for increased regional instability.