Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday said that the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel “goes far beyond missiles, drones, torpedoes, and battlefield,” framing the war as a broader ideological and strategic struggle.
In a message marking the convergence of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz, Khamenei extended greetings to the Iranian people, calling the occasion a rare moment where “the spring of spirituality and the spring of nature” coincide.
‘Relentless Resistance’ Against ‘Global Arrogance’
Khamenei praised Iran’s “relentless resistance” against what he described as “global arrogance,” a term often used by Iranian leadership to refer to Western powers, particularly the United States.
“I express my condolences and sympathy to all the families and survivors of the honorable martyrs,” he said, acknowledging those killed in the ongoing conflict.
He also offered a prayer for transformation and resilience, invoking religious themes in his address as both a political and spiritual message.
Conflict Framed Beyond Military Engagement
Expanding on the nature of the war, Khamenei claimed that Iran had faced “three military and security wars” over the past year. He referred to last year’s brief but intense conflict with Israel allegedly backed by the US as well as internal unrest in January, which he described as a “coup” supported by foreign adversaries.
According to Khamenei, the conflict is not limited to military confrontation but extends into political, economic, and psychological domains.
US and Iran Trade Accusations
The United States has maintained that its recent military actions were “pre-emptive,” with Donald Trump claiming Iran posed an imminent threat.
Iran, however, has rejected these claims. Its foreign minister stated that Tehran does not initiate attacks during negotiations and warned of “zero restraint” if Iranian infrastructure is targeted.
Regional Tensions Intensify
The statement came amid escalating hostilities across West Asia. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while missile impacts were recorded near the Old City of Jerusalem.
Air raid sirens were also heard in multiple regions, including Bahrain and Israel, as the conflict entered its third week.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly launched strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, while Iran retaliated with attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf.
Global Economic Shockwaves
The intensifying conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices have surged sharply in recent weeks, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions could push prices even higher.
Despite a brief dip, Brent crude remains significantly elevated compared to pre-conflict levels, reflecting investor concerns over instability in key oil-producing regions.
Iran Denies Role in Regional Attacks
Khamenei also addressed reports of attacks in neighboring countries, stating that Iran and its allied forces were not responsible for incidents in Turkey and Oman.
He further called for improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, offering Iran’s support for regional stability.
‘Resistance Economy’ and National Unity
In his Persian New Year message, Khamenei declared the coming year as one focused on a “resistance economy under national unity and national security,” signalling Iran’s intent to withstand external pressure through internal resilience.
Notably, Khamenei has not appeared in public since reports emerged that he was injured in a strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, earlier in the conflict.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
