Middle East Conflict: Real-time Updates +++ 10:50 Hezbollah calls death threats against Khamenei "childish"
Hezbollah dismisses threats against Khamenei as foolish
In a scathing statement, Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group, condemns violent threats targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as senseless and reckless. These threats, Hezbollah alleges, emanate from Israel and the USA, warning of potentially devastating consequences. Such threats dishonor millions of devout Muslims supporting the resistance movement and are viewed as an affront to the cause against Israel. The militia vows unwavering support for Khamenei's leadership, expressing solidarity in the face of conflict with the USA and Israel. So far, Hezbollah has largely avoided active participation in the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. The group has been weakened since the fall of the last war with Israel.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi is expected to attend a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Saturday. The special session of the 51st Council of Foreign Ministers will focus on the ongoing armed conflicts between Israel and Iran.
Unfolding Developments
Iran in the Crosshairs
- Since June 12, 2025, Israel has embarked on an air campaign aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear program and dismantling its regime. The defense minister, Israel Katz, has stated that an objective of these strikes is "eliminating" Khamenei, with Israeli leaders asserting that Khamenei's demise would "end the conflict." Targeting goes beyond nuclear sites—including the Sanjarian facility linked to Iran's former nuclear weapons program—to hit strategic government targets in Tehran [1].
- Escalating the hostilities, Iran retaliates with repeated ballistic missile barrages striking central and southern Israel. On June 19, Iran launched around 30 missiles at Israeli cities, with several impacts in Beersheba, Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon, and Azor. One missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, though no fatalities occurred. The strikes injured dozens of civilians and damaged infrastructure, with Israeli intelligence installations near strike targets reportedly the intended Iranian targets [2].
Israeli Advantage Surges
- The conflict reflects a shift from proxy warfare to direct military action. Iran's regional influence and military strength have been on the decline, particularly after the collapse of key allies like Syria's Assad regime in late 2024. While Iranian missiles have fallen short of inflicting substantial damage compared to Israeli air strikes on Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure, Israel's military superiority enables a more aggressive stance [3].
- Despite some Iranian officials hinting at an interest in negotiations, their position remains unyielding while hardline Israeli leaders persist in vigorously eliminating Iran's nuclear capacity and regime leadership, seen as potential existential threats [1].
Quick Facts
- Current Situation: Israel's escalating air raids target key Iranian nuclear sites and regime leadership, with Iran responding with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities.
- Key Player: Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, comes out against violent threats to Iranian leaders, reaffirming support for Ayatollah Khamenei.
- Outlook: The situation remains volatile, with further escalation possible in the near term.
Political cooperation among the Middle Eastern countries is crucial in resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as demonstrated by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi's attendance at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul focused on the armed conflicts.In the face of war and conflicts, peaceful statements, such as Hezbollah's condemnation of threats against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are vital in promoting peace and security, highlighting the importance of politics in preventing further escalation of the Middle East conflict.
