As Tensions With Israel Escalate, Khamenei Cautions Iran Against Retreat Amid Pressure From 'Dominant Powers'

Amid the ongoing tensions with Israel, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has warned against any retreat or compromise, citing "divine wrath" as a consequence.

This warning follows escalating tensions between Iran and Israel after the assassination of Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, during his visit to Tehran last month.

Khamenei criticised what he called "enemy psychological warfare," accusing adversaries of trying to pressure Iran into abandoning retaliation plans against Israel.

He emphasised that any military, political, or economic retreat would lead to severe divine consequences.

Tehran has attributed Haniyeh's death to Israeli intelligence, a situation that has left Iran in a difficult position as it considers the timing and nature of its response.

"Governments that yield to the demands of today's dominant powers, regardless of their nation's size or strength, can defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries' true capabilities," Khamenei said, as quoted by Iran International.

Although Khamenei's rhetoric has been intense, Iran has not yet retaliated, which some analysts view as a strategic pause.

Iranian officials, however, have rejected Western calls for restraint, accusing Western nations of double standards by ignoring what they describe as Israel's "genocidal" actions in Gaza while demanding Iran to refrain from responding to Haniyeh's assassination.

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