Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announced a five-day period of national mourning on Saturday after the confirmed death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, due to an Israeli airstrike. The announcement came as Khamenei was moved to a secure location amid increased security measures.
“The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged,” Khamenei stated, highlighting the significance of Nasrallah’s death. Reports indicate that Iran is maintaining constant communication with Hezbollah and other regional proxy groups to discuss their next steps following the Israeli strike that killed Nasrallah in southern Beirut on Friday.
In his statement, Khamenei condemned the attack, labeling it an Israeli “massacre” in Lebanon. The full death toll from the strike, which destroyed six buildings near Hezbollah’s headquarters, remains unclear. Iran also reported that a prominent general in its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed alongside Nasrallah in the airstrike.
Khamenei urged Muslims worldwide to support the Lebanese people and Hezbollah in their struggle against what he termed the “wicked regime.” He emphasized that the fate of the region would be shaped by resistance forces, with Hezbollah at the forefront.
In contrast, U.S. President Joe Biden described the Israeli strike that resulted in Nasrallah’s death as a “measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.” He reiterated the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, and other Iranian-backed groups.
Hassan Nasrallah had led Hezbollah for over 30 years. The Israeli military commented, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world,” as Israel heightened its alert status amid fears of escalating conflict.
