Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Hezbollah leader Syyed Hassan Nasrallah to leave Lebanon before his assassination in an Israeli strike, revealing concerns about Israeli infiltration in Tehran. Khamenei’s envoy urged Nasrallah to flee, citing intelligence reports of Israeli operatives within Hezbollah. This message was delivered by Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan, who was killed in the attack on Nasrallah’s bunker. In retaliation, Khamenei ordered a missile barrage at Israel, targeting around 180 missiles.
The deaths of Nasrallah and Nilforoushan led to heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with accusations of Israeli aggression against Lebanon and Iran’s support for anti-Israel groups. The situation escalated as Israel launched a “limited” ground incursion against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The assassination of Nasrallah reveals internal challenges within Iran’s Axis of Resistance alliance. The fear for Khamenei’s safety and distrust within Hezbollah and Iran’s establishment could impact the alliance’s effectiveness against Israel.
Despite the escalating tensions, Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel have not commented on the events. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the aftermath of the strikes and assassination.