An advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has revealed that Tehran is considering various options for responding to Israeli occupation forces following a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites.
Ali Larijani, advisor to the Supreme Leader, stated in an interview with Tasnim News Agency that Iran’s response is in preparation, emphasizing the need for precision and secrecy to ensure its effectiveness.
This announcement comes in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on October 26 that targeted sensitive facilities, including the “Parchin” military complex. These attacks followed Iran’s firing of around 200 ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories in recent weeks, raising fears of further escalation in the region.
Israel accuses Iran of using its military installations to advance its nuclear program and weapons development. In contrast, Iran views these attacks as an attempt to undermine its regional influence and weaken its allies, particularly Hezbollah, which plays a pivotal role in the regional resistance axis. These developments come amid Iran’s declared support for Palestinian resistance in Gaza, following Israel’s war on the territory since October 7, 2023.
Hezbollah’s Role in Regional Tensions
Larijani highlighted Hezbollah’s critical role in defending Lebanon and its significance in the regional equation, asserting that the party’s local missile manufacturing capabilities underscore its resilience. He dismissed any notion of Hezbollah being sidelined in Lebanese politics, emphasizing its strategic importance in countering Israel and bolstering Iran’s regional presence.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified due to increasing Israeli attacks on Iranian sites in Syria and even within Iran, including the assassination of key resistance leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah’s Resilience Amid Losses
In his interview, Larijani recounted his visit to Lebanon, expressing admiration for Hezbollah’s young fighters, describing them as full of vitality, determination, and resilience. He noted their remarkable ability to recover quickly from Israeli strikes, stating:
“When I visited Lebanon, I witnessed the vitality, strength, and resolve of Hezbollah’s youth. Despite the significant blows inflicted by the Zionist entity, they managed to regroup and resist with remarkable strength.”
Larijani acknowledged the gravity of losing key leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safi al-Din, describing their martyrdom as a profound loss. Yet, he highlighted the fighters’ ability to rebuild and persevere, attributing this resilience to their commitment to the principles of Imam Hussein.
“On the night of Hassan Nasrallah’s martyrdom, I heard that Hezbollah’s young fighters were deeply moved and wept. But on that very night, they vowed to stand firm and fight until the last breath against the Zionist entity. That was a major turning point,” Larijani added.
A Regional Shift
Larijani’s statements reflect Iran’s strategic emphasis on its alliances with resistance movements like Hezbollah to confront Israel and counter its military actions. The deepening confrontation between Iran and Israel underscores the escalating stakes in the region, particularly as both sides bolster their military postures.
With Iran preparing a calculated response to Israeli aggression and Hezbollah’s fighters demonstrating resilience in the face of significant losses, the dynamics of resistance in the Middle East continue to evolve. This marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, as Tehran, Beirut, and Gaza stand united in defiance of Israeli occupation.
