Oct 4, 2024 – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei affirmed on Friday that Iran and its allies will maintain their stance against Israel, following an Israeli strike in Beirut believed to have targeted a key Hezbollah figure. Khamenei, leading Friday prayers in Tehran, described Iran’s missile attacks on Israel earlier this week as “completely legal and legitimate.”
U.S. President Joe Biden commented on Thursday that Israel’s potential response could include targeting Iran’s oil facilities. As tensions escalated, Israel’s military conducted renewed airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiye around midnight, with local sources indicating these actions followed an Israeli directive for residents to evacuate certain areas.
The air raids reportedly aimed at Hashem Safieddine, seen as a possible successor to the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was allegedly in an underground bunker during the attack. The status of Safieddine remains uncertain, with both Israel’s military and Hezbollah refraining from commenting on the incident.
Residents of Beirut reported living in constant fear amid the escalating hostilities. Explosions were heard near Beirut’s main airport early Friday, further heightening tensions in the region.
Biden expressed skepticism over the likelihood of an “all-out war” in the Middle East but emphasized the need for proactive measures to avert conflict. Amidst calls for a 21-day ceasefire from the U.S., the European Union, and other allies, Biden noted ongoing discussions with Israel about potential retaliatory options against Iran, a stance that has contributed to rising global oil prices as markets react to the escalating crisis.
