2024-08-16 17:15:42
Tehran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that anyone who tries to back down or compromise on action against Israel will face the wrath of Allah. Khamenei’s remarks came amid reports that there are differences between the government and military generals in Iran over action against Israel. Khamenei condemned Western attempts to pressure Israel over plans for retaliation against Israel and called it psychological warfare of the enemy. The Shia leader said that retreat against Israel would invite severe divine punishment, whether military, political or economic. Tensions between Israel and Iran are at a peak after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Iran has blamed Israel for the killing and vowed to punish it. Iran has said that its retaliation will be solid and extremely harsh for the enemy. Iran’s threat has raised the risk of a major conflict spreading in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Western countries, including the US, continue to put pressure on Iran not to attack.
Asked to reject pressure from the West
According to the report of Iran International, Khamenei said that ‘if governments take advantage of the strength of their people and correctly assess the real strength of the opponents, then they can avoid the pressure of big powers.’ The Supreme Leader said this in the context of pressure from Western countries. Khamenei also said that psychological pressure is created by exaggerating the strength of the enemy for a long time. Khamenei’s comment came when Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed disagreement with a direct attack on Israel.
Iran in a dilemma
Despite the fiery rhetoric and threats, Iran has yet to take action against Israel, leading some analysts to see it as a strategic pause. However, Iranian officials have rejected Western appeals for restraint. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has criticized Western countries for ignoring Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza while Iran is expected to renounce its right to retaliate for Haniya’s killing.