Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly ridiculed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a significant diplomatic snub during his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a post on X, Khamenei shared a photograph depicting a largely empty UN chamber as Netanyahu spoke, stating, “Today, the evil Zionist regime is the most despised and isolated regime in the world.”
Netanyahu’s speech was characterized by strong confrontations against Western leaders who have acknowledged Palestinian statehood.
He declared, “We will never allow the world to shove a terrorist state down our throats,” emphasizing Israel’s refusal to succumb to perceived international pressures.
The speech elicited a walkout orchestrated by the Palestinian Authority, and included representatives from nearly all Arab and Muslim countries, various nations from Africa and Asia, and some European countries critical of Israel’s actions.
Iran, while sending a significant message by filling its seats with pictures of children purportedly killed during Israel’s military operations in Gaza, demonstrated its staunch opposition to the Israeli government.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, an Iranian security official made a visit to Lebanon to commemorate the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, reinforcing Iran’s enduring support and alliance with the group.
Ali Larijani, who heads Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, emphasized the need for regional cooperation against what he described as “Israel’s conspiracies.”
Speaking in Beirut, Larijani underlined the importance of setting aside differences among regional nations and joining forces.
He met with Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, to discuss the current geopolitical landscape and lauded recent calls from Hezbollah’s leadership for improved relations with Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a positive development.
Referencing the precarious situation in the region, Larijani remarked, “Today, amid Israel’s conspiracies, regional states should closely cooperate.”
He cautiously addressed concerns regarding potential Israeli strikes against Iran, asserting, “We are ready to face all scenarios,” but expressing skepticism that Israel would act recklessly.
“If they do that, they will receive strong retaliation,” Larijani asserted, although he did not elaborate on the implications of such a potential conflict.
On the same day, thousands of Hezbollah supporters honored the anniversary of Nasrallah’s assassination, which occurred during an intense conflict with Israel, emphasizing the group’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran for decades, has become a formidable force in the region despite suffering significant losses in its recent confrontations with Israel.
A notable presence at the commemoration was the group’s new leader, Naim Qassem, who praised the gathered supporters as they expressed their determination to retain their military capabilities.
The atmosphere at the memorial was charged, with supporters waving flags of Hezbollah, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran, while emotional songs blared from loudspeakers.
In light of the loss of its key figure, Hezbollah’s political influence within Lebanon has weakened, leading the government to push for the disarmament of the group under U.S. pressure.
Challenging the narrative of disarmament, attendees such as Wisam Hodroj, 51, expressed unwavering commitment to retaining their weapons, asserting, “What has happened since the last war has only increased our enthusiasm and strength.”
A younger supporter, 21-year-old university student Ali Jaafar, echoed these sentiments, stating that a push for disarmament represents the desires of their enemies, both internal and external, affirming, “it will remain just a dream.”
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the tension between Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and regional powers remains sharp, underscoring a volatile mix of alliances, hostility, and the enduring quest for power in the region.
image source from：timesofisrael
