The supreme leader had struck a more cautious approach in earlier remarks after Israeli air strikes on Iran last week.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Israel and the United States of “a crushing response” for actions against Iran and its allies, according to state media.
Khamenei, 85, made the remarks on Saturday while addressing students ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the US embassy in Tehran by hardline students – which cemented the decades-long enmity between Tehran and Washington that persists today.
“The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front,” Khamenei said in the capital, Tehran, also referring to Iran-aligned armed groups that include Yemen’s Houthis, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Hamas.
Khamenei on Saturday met with university students to mark Students’ Day, which commemorates a November 4, 1978, incident in which Iranian soldiers opened fire on students protesting the rule of the shah at Tehran University.
Risk of further escalation
Israel has said its air strikes on Iran on October 26 were in retaliation for a major ballistic missile attack by Tehran on October 1.
The Iranian attack, which involved about 200 missiles, was launched after Israeli assaults in recent months that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military.
Israel has warned Iran against retaliating, while Tehran, stating it does not seek war, has promised to respond.
“If Iran makes the mistake of launching another missile barrage at Israel, we will once again know how to reach Iran … and strike very, very hard,” said Israel’s military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi earlier this week, adding that certain targets had been set aside “because we may be required to do this again”.
Any further attacks from either side risk drawing the region – already on edge due to Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon – into a wider regional conflict, just days ahead of the US presidential election on Tuesday.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “ordered the deployment of additional ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, and tanker aircraft, and several US Air Force B-52 long-range strike bombers to the region,” Pentagon spokesman Major-General Pat Ryder said on Friday.
Austin “continues to make clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people”, Ryder said in a statement.
Interview Title: Tensions in the Middle East: A Perspective on Khamenei’s Warning
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re privileged to have Dr. Sarah Alavi, a leading expert in Middle Eastern studies and geopolitics. We’ll discuss the recent remarks from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of a “crushing response” against Israel and the United States. Welcome, Dr. Alavi.
Dr. Sarah Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Khamenei’s statements came following Israeli air strikes on Iran last week. How significant are his words in the current geopolitical context?
Alavi: Khamenei’s warning is quite significant. It underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and both Israel and the U.S. His rhetoric suggests a shift from a more cautious approach to a more aggressive stance, likely as a response to perceived threats against Iranian sovereignty and its allies in the region.
Editor: He specifically referenced the “resistance front” which includes groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. How does this alliance affect regional dynamics?
Alavi: The “resistance front” is a crucial component of Iran’s foreign policy. By invoking these groups, Khamenei aims to signal that any attack on Iran could provoke retaliation not just from Tehran but from its regional proxies as well. This alliance complicates the landscape, as it extends the potential for conflict beyond just state actors, involving non-state actors as well.
Editor: Interestingly, Khamenei made these remarks close to the anniversary of the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover. How does history influence his rhetoric today?
Alavi: History plays a critical role in Iranian political discourse. The 1979 takeover is a symbol of resistance against U.S. intervention and imperialism, thus Khamenei’s speech not only rallies nationalist sentiment but also reinforces his regime’s narrative against American and Israeli actions. It’s a reminder of past grievances that continue to fuel current hostilities.
Editor: There’s a palpable sense of risk regarding further escalation. In your opinion, how likely is an actual military confrontation in the near future?
Alavi: Unfortunately, the potential for escalation is high. When leaders employ such strong rhetoric, it can lead to miscalculations on either side. Both Israel and Iran have positioned military capabilities in ways that could easily trigger a wider conflict. The situation is precarious, and any reckless move could spiral out of control.
Editor: Given these tensions, what role do you think international diplomacy can play in de-escalating the situation?
Alavi: Diplomatic engagement is crucial. International powers, particularly those involved in the Iran nuclear negotiations, must find a way to facilitate dialogue between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. This could involve not just addressing nuclear concerns but also regional security issues. Without such efforts, we risk a cycle of retaliation that could have dire consequences.
Editor: Before we end, what’s your assessment of Khamenei’s leadership style in times like these?
Alavi: Khamenei’s leadership often reflects a blend of defiance and pragmatism. While he projects strength to maintain domestic support, there’s also an underlying desire to avoid all-out war. His cautious yet combative rhetoric suggests a balancing act—he needs to reassure his base while navigating complex geopolitical waters that could lead to devastating outcomes.
Editor: Dr. Alavi, your insights are invaluable, especially as we navigate these complex issues. Thank you for joining us today.
Alavi: Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution to these tensions.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed as we cover these unfolding events in the region.