Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is set to lead Friday prayers for the first time in five years. His sermon is anticipated to shed light on the Islamic Republic’s future strategies after a recent large-scale missile strike against its adversaries, as reported by the AFP.
As regional tensions escalate, analysts are keenly observing Khamenei’s remarks for insight into Iran’s next moves, particularly with the one-year anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza approaching.
The prayers will be held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran. Khamenei’s sermon coincides with intensifying conflicts in the Middle East, including Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties.
In recent developments, Israel has confirmed the deaths of eight of its soldiers, alongside the reported loss of two Lebanese soldiers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have successfully targeted over 200 Hezbollah positions.
Israel Closes Key Lebanon-Syria Crossing
In a notable escalation, Israel conducted intensive airstrikes in southern Beirut overnight and has closed the main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. This action follows a warning to civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas outside the UN-designated buffer zone.
Targeting a Hezbollah Leader
Reports indicate that Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah leader, was the target of an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday in Beirut. While sources from both Israeli and U.S. media confirm the attack, the fate of Safieddine remains unclear.
Meanwhile, oil prices are soaring, nearing their highest levels in a year due to heightened Middle Eastern tensions. Brent crude is stabilizing just below $78 per barrel following a significant 5% rise, particularly after President Joe Biden indicated U.S. support for potential Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities.
If a strike were to occur at Kharg Island, a crucial point through which 90% of Iran’s crude oil passes, global economies could face severe disruptions, reminiscent of the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.