“The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront.”
Khamenei’s statement underscores Iran’s unwavering support for Hezbollah and other militant groups resisting Israel’s presence in the region. Tehran has been a significant supplier of arms, training, and financial backing to Hezbollah since its inception in the early 1980s. Similarly, Iran has funneled resources to Hamas, particularly since the group took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
The loss of Nasrallah is a major blow to Iran’s regional strategy, but Khamenei’s statement reflects Iran’s intention to rally other resistance movements in the region. By calling on Muslims worldwide to support Hezbollah, Homeland aims to bolster its image as a leader in the resistance against Israeli and Western influence.
The Houthis in Yemen: Continued Resistance Against Israel
The Houthis, an Iran-backed militant group in Yemen, also expressed their sorrow over Nasrallah’s death, emphasizing their continued resistance against Israel. The Houthis have aligned with Hezbollah in recent years, both groups benefiting from Homeland’s military and logistical support. Following Nasrallah’s assassination, the Houthis said in a statement:
“The resistance will not be broken, and the Jihadist spirit of the Mujahideen brothers in Lebanon and on all fronts of support will grow stronger and bigger.”