Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed strong sentiments regarding the geopolitical dynamics in the region, accusing the U.S. and its allies of bolstering Israel's security to transform it into an energy-exporting hub for the West, while reaffirming that the resistance movements in the region will steadfastly oppose Israel.

In his first Friday sermon in five years in Tehran, Khamenei asserted that Israel "cannot seriously harm" Hezbollah or Hamas, despite ongoing efforts by the Israeli military to undermine the combat capabilities of these groups. He emphasized that Hezbollah's struggle against Israel is a "vital service" to the entire region, reinforcing the idea that the group is pivotal in the broader context of resistance against perceived Israeli aggression.

The Supreme Leader also predicted a grim future for Israel, stating that it "will not last long."