Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has proclaimed the elimination of Israel as a divine promise and an achievable goal. In a meeting with Hamas’ top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, Khamenei referenced a Quranic verse, stating, “How a small group defeated a large group, by Allah’s will.” He underscored that a smaller force has previously overcome larger adversaries, including America, NATO, and Britain, suggesting that the future eradication of Israel is within the realm of possibility.
Haniyeh visited Tehran to attend the funeral of Iran’s late President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash along with six others. During his visit, Haniyeh extended his condolences and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and their leadership.
The occasion also saw the presence of a Taliban delegation, including acting First Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who joined in paying their respects.
This high-profile gathering underscores the complex web of alliances and enmities in the region, highlighting Iran’s ongoing support for groups opposed to Israel and the interplay of regional powers in the broader geopolitical landscape.