Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was relocated to a secure location within Iran, sources told Reuters, following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut.
This move highlights the increased security measures in place as Israel ramps up its attacks on Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful ally in the region.
Lebanon and Hezbollah have accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks, which included the use of pagers and walkie-talkies.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Two officials, briefed by Tehran, said Iran is now in contact with Hezbollah and other proxy groups in the region to plan a response to Nasrallah’s death.
In a statement issued on Saturday, following the announcement of Nasrallah’s assassination, Khamenei said, “The future of this region will be shaped by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah leading the way.” He further vowed that “the blood of the martyr will not go unavenged,” declaring five days of mourning in honor of Nasrallah.
Nasrallah’s death deals a significant blow to Iran, removing a key ally who was instrumental in shaping Hezbollah as a central part of Iran’s regional influence network.
