Any hostility against Iran to prompt severe response: Sayyed Khamenei
Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei underlines that his country would respond severely and decisively to any act of aggression.
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Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei speaks to a group of people and officials in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 21, 2025. (AP)
The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei issued a strong warning on Monday, stating that any entity contemplating hostile actions against Iran would face a severe and equal response.
Sayyed Khamenei also emphasized that any attempt to incite internal discord would be met with firm resistance from the Iranian people, as demonstrated in the past.
'Zionists to be eradicated'
Speaking during his Eid al-Fitr sermon in Tehran, Sayyed Khamenei addressed the Israeli occupation and its actions in the region, asserting that “the roots of the Zionists will be eradicated from Palestine and the region," which is a “religious, moral, and humanitarian duty.”
The Iranian leader also condemned the accusations leveled against regional Resistance movements, highlighting what he called double standards.
“Accusations of allegiance are directed at the free people and nations of the region, while the only true proxy force here is the Zionist entity,” he said. He further criticized the designation of Resistance fighters as "terrorists", arguing that it is the Israeli occupation that commits crimes and carries out assassinations.
An agent of colonial powers
Sayyed Khamenei described the Israeli occupation as a colonial proxy, stating, “In this region, there is only one true proxy force, and that is the usurping and criminal Zionist entity. It acts as an agent of colonial powers, perpetrating genocide, committing crimes, and violating Syrian sovereignty—reaching within meters of Damascus—all on behalf of its imperial backers.”
Reiterating Iran’s unwavering stance, he affirmed, “Everyone should know that our positions remain as firm as ever.”
The commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned Friday during an interview for Al Mayadeen any foreign powers against harming Iran's interests, asserting that Iran will take a firm stance to protect its rights.
Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval forces in Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), warned "foreign parties" against threatening Iranian interests, stating, "If foreigners attempt to attack us, pressure us, or endanger our interests, we will stand against them with full force."
At the same time, he emphasized that "Iran does not seek war but will respond firmly to any aggression."
Iranian worshippers gathered for Eid prayers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Hall, where Sayyed Khamenei led the congregation in a ceremony that commenced at 6:30 am local time.
His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territories, reinforcing Iran’s steadfast support for the Resistance movements in the region.