New Delhi: Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning against any form of retreat or compromise amid escalating tensions with Israel. His remarks come in the wake of the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh last month in Tehran, an act Iran attributes to Israeli intelligence.In a recent address, Khamenei invoked divine wrath, cautioning that any retreat—whether military, political, or economic—would invite severe punishment. His comments condemned what he described as enemy psychological warfare, accusing foreign powers of pressuring Iran to reconsider its stance on retaliating against Israel.Strategic pause or calculated delayDespite the rhetoric, Iran has yet to take immediate retaliatory action, a move that analysts interpret as a strategic pause. Tehran remains under pressure as it weighs its response to Haniyehs assassination. While the Foreign Ministry has dismissed Western calls for restraint, accusing them of double standards in overlooking Israels genocidal actions in Gaza, the possibility of Iranian retaliation remains a volatile issue.Irans new president aligns with hardline stanceNewly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has aligned himself with Khameneis hardline stance. However, reports suggest he has privately expressed concerns about potential consequences if the conflict escalates further.Israel, meanwhile, has made it clear that any direct aggression from Tehran will be met with a swift and forceful response. Israeli officials have reportedly warned both the US and European nations of severe consequences should Iran strike Israeli territory.
