By Thobile Jiwulane:
Iran has expressed concern and disappointment that some Middle East countries have allowed the US to use their countries as launching pad against the Islamic Republic despite their assurance to Iran that they would refused to do so.
In a statement issued via X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon, following the earlier announcement by the Iranian President about the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Imam Khamenei in the first Israel attacks at the weekend, Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations the unnamed countries had done the opposite.
“Contrary to the pledges made by regional countries, actions were carried out against Iran from their territory. It is regrettable that despite the explicit declarations by regional countries that they would not allow any action to be taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran from their soil, they were unable to prevent U.S. attacks due to their lack of control over American bases,” the Council said.
Earlier today, Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, announced Khamenei’s assassination by Israeli forces and vowed that Iran would seek revenge for the killing. His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, has been martyred at the hands of the most wretched of criminals. This event constitutes the greatest affliction facing the Islamic world today. The assassination of the highest political authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the eminent leader and religious authority of the Shiite world by the sinister American–Zionist axis is considered an open declaration of war against Muslims, particularly Shiites throughout the world.
During 37 years of wise guidance and leadership by the martyred and exalted Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, beloved Iran continued the luminous path of Imam Khomeini with strength and authority, transforming into an axis of resistance against arrogance and a beacon of independence. A great and divine leader who, relying on the will, vote, and opinion of the people, granted dignity and honour to the Iranian nation and stood as a mighty pillar and a thorn in the eye of the enemies of Islam and Iran.
Prudence and foresight, perseverance and steadfastness in the face of oppression, devotion to Imam Khomeini and the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, compassion and mercy, knowledge and forbearance, honesty, and sincere faith in Almighty God have left from the exalted martyr Imam Khamenei an eternal and enduring name in the heights of contemporary history, alongside Imam Khomeini. Indeed, nothing but martyrdom on the battlefield against the enemies of Islam was worthy of the name and position of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The Islamic Republic of Iran considers seeking justice and revenge against the perpetrators and those who ordered this historic crime its duty and legitimate right and will employ all its power to fulfil this great responsibility and obligation.
I once again extend my condolences to the Islamic Ummah, the noble people of Iran, and all followers and admirers of this everlasting leader, and I reaffirm my firm determination and unshakable will to continue the path of this great man of history. I pray to Almighty God for increasing unity and solidarity among officials and the noble people of Iran in the pursuit of the lofty ideals of the Islamic Revolution and the expansion of justice and freedom in society.
In an X post relayed by the Iranian Embassy in South Africa, Pretoria, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi @araghchi strongly criticised the US for initiating talks with Iran, only to launch attacks during negotiations, a pattern repeated in June. Despite Oman’s foreign minister reporting “significant progress” in recent talks, the US still attacked Iran, Araghchi suggesting outside pressure might be at play. He therefore warned that Iran will punish those responsible for killing its citizens, stressing that Iran’s hostility is only aimed at the US government, not the American people, whom he believes are being misinformed. – @NewsSA_Online
Follow us on our social media platforms below: