Khamenei Warns Against 'Non-Tactical' Retreat, Citing 'Wrath of God'

Amid growing concerns of a large-scale conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned against “non-tactical retreat,” saying it would “lead to the wrath of God.”

In a meeting with Islamic Republic officials on Wednesday, Khamenei accused Western powers and Israel of engaging in psychological warfare, claiming they seek to “create fear” by “exaggerating” their capabilities.

Khamenei’s statements come in the wake of appeals from European leaders urging Iran and its regional allies to refrain from attacking Israel, warning that such actions could escalate tensions and jeopardize potential ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

For two weeks, Iran has been threatening retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran.

Khamenei had previously emphasized his desire for “Israel’s punishment” after Haniyeh’s killing, though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack.

Efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza continue amid the rising tensions.

Reuters reported that three senior Iranian officials suggested that only a ceasefire agreement in Gaza would prevent Iran from retaliating for Haniyeh’s assassination, potentially signaling a softening of Iran’s stance.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his expectation that Iran would abstain from attacking Israel if a Gaza ceasefire is reached and hostages are released.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, criticized the call for de-escalation, stating that such a request “lacks political logic, flies in the face of the principles and rules of international law, and constitutes public and practical support” for Israel.

Kanani accused the Western powers of failing to object to what he termed “international crimes of the Zionist regime.”

“The declaration by France, Germany, and Britain, which raised no objection to the international crimes of the Zionist regime, brazenly asks Iran to take no deterrent action against a regime which has violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said in a statement.

Haniyeh’s killing, which happened during his visit to Iran for President Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration, has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.

Iran and its allies have held Israel responsible for Haniyeh’s death, though Israel has not commented on the allegations.

The Hamas leader was killed shortly after an Israeli strike in Beirut claimed the life of a senior Hezbollah commander, further inflaming regional tensions.