Iran warns Israel will 'regret their actions' after killing of Hezbollah leader

28 September 2024, 12:55 | Updated: 28 September 2024, 12:58

Israel has announced the killing of Hezbollah's leader
Israel has announced the killing of Hezbollah's leader. Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

Iran’s supreme leader has warned Israel “will regret their actions” following the killing of Hezbollah’s chief on Friday.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said Lebanon will make Israel“regret their actions” following the targeting killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallah was killed in a targeted Israeli strike on Friday, he had led the Lebanese militant group since the early 90s.

In the wake of his death, Iran, one of Hezbollah’s key supporters, moved their supreme leader to a secure location.

"The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said.

Announcing Nasrallah’s killing, the Israel Defence Force said: "The IDF eliminated the so-called Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is reportedly dead.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is reportedly dead. Picture: Getty
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Picture: Getty

"Yesterday, the IDF killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the terrorist organization Hezbollah and one of its founders.

"The IDF also killed Ali Karaki, the commander of the southern front in the terrorist organization Hezbollah, and a number of other Hezbollah leaders."

A Hezbollah statement read: "The leadership of Hezbollah pledges to the highest, holiest, and most precious martyr in our path full of sacrifices and martyrs to continue its jihad in confronting the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast and honourable people."

Responding to the news, the British foreign office pointed to comments made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy made at the UN this week.

He said: “A full-blown war is not in the interests of the Israeli or the Lebanese people.

Strikes in Beirut
Strikes in Beirut. Picture: Alamy

“And that is why within hours of last week’s strikes I called for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel.

“Our priority must be a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.”

Airstrikes hit one of Beirut's most heavily-populated southern suburbs earlier in the day - with blasts heard throughout the Lebanese capital.

Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu tells UN that Israel will fight 'until we achieve total victory' if Hamas does not surrender

Read more: 'Escalation serves no one': PM calls for ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in UN General Assembly address

Netanyahu approving an airstrike on Beirut
Netanyahu approving an airstrike on Beirut. Picture: Israeli prime minister's office

The escalation follows Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's address at the UN General Assembly.

Armed with visual aids, Mr Netanyahu defended his nation's response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, which triggered an Israeli military operation that has devastated the Gaza Strip.

"I didn't intend to come here this year. My country is at war fighting for its life," Mr Netanyahu said.

"But after I heard the lies and slanders levelled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight."

He insisted that Israel wanted peace but said of Iran: "If you strike us, we will strike you."

Read more: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rules out UK and US ceasefire proposal with Lebanon

Iran said the attack was a "dangerous game-changing escalation" that would "bring its perpetrator an appropriate punishment".

Hezbollah is part of Iran's "axis of resistance" across the Middle East, with groups having targeted Israel in support of Hamas.

Benjamin Netanyahu hold signs as he addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Benjamin Netanyahu hold signs as he addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Picture: Alamy

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

XL Bullies Being Walked On Private Land After Ban

XL Bully mauled two people after being ordered to ‘kill’ by owner as victims left with 'horrific injuries'

Kerri Pegg, former governor of HMP Kirkham,

Prison governor guilty of misconduct after relationship with drug boss 'Jesse Pinkman' who gifted her £12k Mercedes

Emergency services search for survivors after the ceiling collapsed in Dominican Republic

At least 15 killed after nightclub ceiling collapses in Dominican Republic as desperate hunt for survivors launched

Westfield Stratford City shopping center, London England United Kingdom UK

Two teenage boys charged after seat thrown from third floor of Westfield shopping centre

Elton John and Madonna 'bury the hatchet' after decades-long feud

Elton John and Madonna 'bury the hatchet' after decades-long feud

Zelenskyy shared the video of the alleged Chinese soldier on Telegram

Two Chinese soldiers captured fighting in Ukraine - and Zelenskyy says he wants US and Europe to respond

Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim was fatally stabbed in Huddersfield

Boy, 16, fatally stabbed in Huddersfield was refugee who fled Syria and dreamed of becoming doctor

Yossi Benayoun

Former Premier League star 'survives grenade attack on home'

New Scotland Yard

Serving Met Police officer charged with four counts of rape

FILE - A North Korean military guard post, top, and South Korean post, bottom, are seen from Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

South Korean military fire at North Korean soldiers 'crossing demarcation line'

Jorge Bolano of Parma

Cause of death revealed after World Cup star dies aged 47 as Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes

Rachel Reeves has told Brits 'we have your backs'

'We've got your back,' Rachel Reeves tells Brits as she warns Trump's tariffs have 'huge implications' for economy

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester pensioner Bhim Kohli

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester dog walker Bhim Kohli

File photo of a Ukrainian soldier, with forces confirmed to be in a second Russian border region

'War must return where it came from': Ukraine forces 'active in second Russian border region', Zelenskyy confirms

Dismembered body of British scientist found in suitcase after vanishing in Columbia

Dismembered body of British scientist found in suitcase after vanishing in Colombia

Exclusive
Wes Streeting hopes booking a GP appointment will be easier by the next election

Wes Streeting unable to say when '8am scramble' for GP appointments will end despite earlier promises