Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s recent Friday sermon, his first in several years, was steeped in symbolism and came at a time of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Holding a Russian-made Dragunov rifle, the 85-year-old leader made a defiant public statement, underscoring Iran’s resolve in the face of what he described as Israeli aggression. The choice of venue, the Imam Khomeini Mosque, which played a pivotal role during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, added another layer of historic significance to the event. This setting, combined with Khamenei’s dramatic image of being flanked by a rifle, served to reinforce his message of resistance and deterrence.
Khamenei did not mince words, declaring that Iran would not bow to pressure and warning that Israel’s existence was fragile. “We must stand up against the enemy while strengthening our unwavering faith,” he proclaimed, adding that Israel “will not last long.” This statement reflects the long-standing enmity between the two nations, which has only intensified in recent months due to several key incidents. Among them was the assassination of senior figures within Iran’s regional network of influence, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Iran’s top Revolutionary Guards commander Abbas Nilforoushan. The killing of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, a significant ally of Tehran, further stoked tensions, leading to an unprecedented escalation in hostilities.
In response to these events, Iran retaliated by launching 200 missiles at Tel Aviv, marking the largest missile attack the country has ever directed toward Israel. Khamenei, in his sermon, sought to justify this as not just a defensive action but a “legitimate and necessary” response to Israel’s transgressions. He called the missile strikes the “least punishment” for the crimes of the Zionist regime, signaling that Iran was prepared to act even more forcefully if necessary. The Supreme Leader’s public appearance, particularly with such a large crowd, also served as a show of internal solidarity. By gathering thousands of Iranians for the sermon, Khamenei aimed to demonstrate that the Iranian people supported their government’s stance and its military actions against Israel.
Khamenei’s rhetoric went beyond just denouncing Israel; it was also a message to the international community that Iran’s military and political leadership were aligned and steadfast in their resistance to external pressures. The sermon was delivered in both Arabic and Farsi, aimed at reaching a wide audience, particularly Iran’s regional allies, to boost their morale after recent setbacks. Khamenei’s words reflected a broader strategy of rallying not only Iranian support but also the support of Tehran’s network of allies across the Middle East.
This moment echoes Khamenei’s last major Friday sermon in January 2020, following the killing of Qasem Soleimani, another key figure in Iran’s military leadership. In the aftermath of that event, Iran fired missiles at a U.S. base in Iraq in retaliation. Similarly, Khamenei’s current sermon marked a significant moment of defiance, this time directed at Israel. Both sermons reflect Khamenei’s efforts to frame Iran’s military actions as justified and necessary for the defense of the nation and its interests.
Beyond the immediate conflict with Israel, Khamenei’s sermon can also be seen as a reflection of Iran’s broader geopolitical strategy. By asserting that Iran would not back down, Khamenei was not only addressing Israel but also sending a message to Western powers, particularly the United States, which has long been an ally of Israel. Through Khamenei’s words and actions, Iran's leadership positions itself as a force willing to take bold actions to defend its sovereignty and regional influence, even if it means confronting global powers.
In sum, Khamenei’s sermon was a powerful display of Iran’s military and political resolve, couched in the historical and revolutionary symbolism that has long been a hallmark of his leadership. The combination of his stern rhetoric, the visual of him holding a rifle, and the large public turnout was a calculated effort to project strength, unity, and an unyielding stance against Israel and its allies. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Khamenei’s message underscores that Iran remains prepared for further confrontation, with its leadership and populace united in their opposition to Israeli aggression.
