Iran Will Face ‘Divine Wrath’ If It Bows to Pressure, says Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning on Wednesday, condemning what he described as “enemy psychological warfare” aimed at pressuring Iran to reconsider its response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Speaking to a gathering of officials and clerics, Khamenei emphasized that any retreat—whether military, political, or economic—would invoke “divine wrath,” as outlined in the Holy Quran.

Here is what you need to know

Haniyeh, the head of the Iran-backed Hamas political wing, was killed in Tehran last month during an inauguration ceremony for Iran’s new president. His assassination came just hours after he had confidently walked the streets of Tehran, boasting of his freedom of movement. The brazen nature of the attack has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran carefully weighing its options for retaliation.

Khamenei’s speech was clear in its defiance of external pressures. “Governments that yield to the demands of today’s dominant powers, regardless of the size or strength of the nations they represent, could defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries’ true, unembellished capabilities,” he stated.

What else did the Ayatollah say?

The Iranian Supreme Leader also criticized what he described as a tendency to “exaggerate” the capabilities of enemies, a tactic he said has been employed by the United States, Britain, and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He accused these nations of using fear to weaken Iran, yet maintained that a strong and united populace could overcome these efforts.

While Iran has yet to take concrete steps in response to Haniyeh’s assassination, it has engaged in its own psychological tactics, creating an air of suspense by hinting at potential retaliation. 

As tensions simmer, Iran’s leadership appears resolute in its stance, rejecting any notion of backing down in the face of international pressure. For now, the world waits to see how Iran will respond, with Khamenei’s warning of “divine wrath” hanging ominously over the region.

One thing is certain. If Iran does indeed attack Israel, Jerusalem will respond.