Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has declared his country’s support for the Palestinians’ right to self-defense in the wake of recent events, condemning Israel as a destabilizing force in the region. This statement comes after a violent attack by Hamas militants on Israel, further inflaming tensions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
President Raisi affirmed Iran’s stance on the matter, stating, “Iran supports the legitimate defense of the Palestinian nation,” as reported by state television. This declaration underscores Iran’s commitment to standing by the Palestinian cause and their right to protect themselves in the face of adversity.
In his remarks, President Raisi did not mince words when he accused Israel of being a source of danger to the region’s security. He argued that the “Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters” bear responsibility for endangering the security of nations in the region and called for them to be held accountable.
Earlier on the same day, President Raisi engaged in discussions with leaders of Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, according to state media. The details of these conversations were not disclosed in the state news agency IRNA’s report.
Hamas reported that during these discussions, President Raisi expressed his support for the ongoing military operations against Israel. In response, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’ political bureau, assured Raisi that the military operation would extend beyond Gaza into other areas.
The recent conflict saw Hamas militants infiltrate Israel on Saturday, following a massive rocket barrage. Israel’s government reported that this conflict, one of the deadliest in decades, has resulted in over 600 Israeli casualties, with Hamas taking more than 100 people hostage. On the Gaza side, at least 313 casualties have been reported.
Iran has lauded the Palestinian attack as a “proud operation” and a “great victory.” Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated, “This victorious operation… promises the impending destruction of the Zionist regime,” in a letter addressed to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause remains a central pillar of its foreign policy, dating back to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The country has consistently refused to recognize Israel and has maintained a steadfast commitment to the Palestinian struggle.
Iran and Israel have engaged in a long-standing shadow war, characterized by allegations of sabotage attacks and assassinations related to Iran’s nuclear program. Additionally, the two nations have clashed indirectly in the Gulf, with accusations of Iran using drones and missiles against US forces and Israel-linked ships.
The recent escalation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again drawn Iran into the fray, with President Raisi voicing support for the Palestinian right to self-defense. This development further underscores the complexity and intensity of the ongoing regional tensions and the enduring significance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the international stage.
