Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, addressed the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday and issued a threat directed at Israel and the West. Khamenei warned that if Israel continues its "crimes," the Muslim world will respond in an unstoppable manner.
He stated during a gathering of students and senior officials at an Iranian scientific establishment, "If the Zionist regime's crimes persist, no one will be able to halt the Muslims and the resistance forces. The leaders of the usurping Zionist government should be held accountable."
Khamenei also added, "Based on the extensive information we possess, the entire political effort of the Zionist entity is currently orchestrated by the United States. Consequently, the United States bears sole responsibility for the ongoing crimes. The bombing of the Gaza Strip must cease."
🚨🇮🇱🇮🇷 Iranian FM: If Iran and Lebanon don't attack Israel in #Gaza today, they will meet IDF soldiers in Tehran and Beirut tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/2Im8dyaoaj
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) October 17, 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, today. Macron emphasized the collective duty to unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel and Israel's right to self-defense. He also emphasized the necessity to eliminate terrorist groups that harm civilians.
Macron mentioned that there are French citizens among the victims and hostages held by the terrorist organization. He clarified, "Their release is France's top priority." Macron also cautioned President Raisi against any escalation or expansion of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon. He stated, "Iran, given its relations with Hezbollah and Hamas, bears responsibility in this matter. Iran must take all measures to prevent any regional escalation."
🚨JUST IN: Iran Leader: "If the crimes of the Zionist regime continue, no one can stop the Muslims and the resistance forces." 🇵🇸🇮🇷#ZionistTerror
— Noor (@zalimhun_) October 17, 2023
#IsraeliNewNazism #GazaAttack #Gaza #GazaCity #GazaEvacuation #Gaza_under_attack #PalestineLivesMatter #Palestine #Brussels… pic.twitter.com/a23fxougFs
Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to visit Israel following the Hamas terrorist attack. However, he did not specify a date for his visit, stating, "I will arrive in the region when there is a concrete and effective agenda to pursue." On a related note, the French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna, visited Israel on Sunday and met with survivors of the attack in southern townships. Colonna, who has now arrived in Lebanon, conveyed Israel's strong opposition to further escalation of violence in the region. She also mentioned France's commitment to providing intelligence support to Israel through its partnership in the field, as confirmed by France's Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu. "Unfortunately, France has a lot of experience in the fight against terrorism, and our intelligence services have particularly effective means and sensors. Regarding soldiers, you know that France already has a significant presence in the region."
