Following the attack where Israel killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Hamaney challenged the enemies. Hamaney conducted Friday prayers in the heart of the capital Tehran, delivering a message to Israel during the Friday sermon. Stepping onto the pulpit with a Dragunov sniper rifle, Hamaney called for Muslim communities to unite, stating that Iran will not hesitate to strike Israel again if necessary. In his speech, Hamaney talked about the attack on Israel, saying, “Our armed forces’ action was the lightest punishment we could give to the occupying Zionist regime. We gave the lightest response to this bloodthirsty rabid dog for the heinous crimes they commit.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hamaney began his Friday sermon after leading Friday prayers in the capital Tehran.

Hamaney, equipped with a sniper rifle, appeared on the pulpit during the ceremony. Iran’s religious leader had been seen with a Russian-made Dragunov rifle in past ceremonies as well.

Iranian television reported that a large crowd had gathered outside the mosque where Hamaney delivered his first Friday sermon after a four-year hiatus. The Friday sermon took place three days before the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In the first part of the Friday sermon, Hamaney called for unity in the Islamic world, declaring, “The enemies of Iran are also the enemies of the people of Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, and Yemen. The enemy is the same enemy. We must be prepared in all these Islamic countries.”

“We Gave the Lightest Response to the Bloodthirsty Rabid Dog” Hamaney emphasized that Lebanese support for Palestine is rightful and reasonable, stating, “No one has the right to criticize this legitimate support or ask why you are entering the field. Our armed forces also legally took action two to three days ago and legally carried out this operation. The response by our Armed Forces is completely legitimate and lawful.” Hamaney addressed Iran’s missile attack on Israel, saying, “Our armed forces’ action was the lightest punishment we could give to the occupying Zionist regime. We gave the lightest response to this bloodthirsty rabid dog. We will continue to fulfill all our duties with the utmost determination. The Islamic Republic will fulfill its responsibilities with the strongest resolve.”

“We Will Do What Is Logical, Right, and Just” Hamaney stressed that there will be no rush or hesitation in responding, concluding his first sermon with “We will do what is logical, what is right, what is just. Correct timing will be awaited by the military and political decision-makers involved in the decision-making process. We will continue to do what is required in the future.” In the second part of his sermon addressing the Lebanese people, Hamaney stated, “You, the people of Lebanon, are heroes. This cowardly enemy will never be able to eradicate the existence of Hezbollah and Hamas. Our struggle in the way of Allah will continue. We are close to victory, but they think that by assassinating and killing civilians, they will achieve their goals.”

“Nasrallah Cornered the Zionist Enemy” In the second part of his sermon in Arabic, Hamaney spoke about the killing of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah. Hamaney stated, “With Hasan Nasrallah’s efforts, Hezbollah progressed and strengthened step by step. He did what was logical and natural; with his efforts, the Zionist enemy found itself cornered.” “Israel Will Not Win Against Hamas and Hezbollah” Hamaney emphasized that Israel is cornered, saying, “The Zionist group came to the conclusion that they can never defeat Hamas and Hezbollah. The Zionist regime realized it can never win. The bloodshed in Lebanon and Hezbollah will never deter you from your path.” Hamaney mentioned that Iran has lost many outstanding figures since 1981, stating, “The resistance in the region, with the sacrifices of its heroes, will not retreat. The resistance in Gaza amazed the entire world; it displayed the honor and dignity of Islam. Despite all the evil forces against us, the people of Gaza are not backing down.” “Israel Has Regressed 70 Years” Hamaney, mentioning that Israel is in distress, continued his speech by saying, “It has been a year since the Operation Aksa Storm against this blood-shedding regime. In Gaza and Lebanon, the regime’s only goal is to preserve its existence. They are in a state of panic just like those ominous early years when they were established. The brave souls of Palestine and Lebanon have set Israel back 70 years.”