Iranian Supreme Leader Urges Muslim Nations to Support Hezbollah Against Israel
Throughout four decades of sporadic fighting with Israel, Iran has consistently supported Hezbollah.
On Sept. 28, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called upon the Muslim world to stand in solidarity with Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel. This appeal came as reports surfaced about the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike.
Khamenei highlighted Hezbollah’s role in stopping Israeli forces from advancing toward Beirut in the past, making Lebanon proud. This reference hinted at an Israeli invasion of Lebanon in the 1980s and ’90s that led to the formation of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, predominantly a Shia Muslim political faction in Lebanon, has conducted intermittent conflicts with Israel, with continuous support from Iran.
On Oct. 7, 2023, a new wave of violence erupted in the region as Hamas militants launched attacks in southern Israel, triggering ongoing clashes in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the Hamas attacks, Hezbollah resumed hostilities with Israel by firing rockets and artillery across the Israel-Lebanon border. The conflict escalated, with both sides exchanging fire for almost a year.
Amid Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, including the targeting of Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut on Sept. 27, Khamenei reiterated his support for the group.
As Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, Khamenei called on Muslims to aid Lebanon in its resistance against Israel.
Iranian leaders, including Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif, expressed solidarity with Hezbollah and condemned the killing of Nasrallah.
President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel’s defense against Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups while seeking diplomatic solutions to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
He instructed enhanced military presence in the region for deterrence.
The aftermath of Nasrallah’s death remains uncertain, with Hezbollah leaders vowing to continue the fight against Israel and supporting Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.
