On 1/4, Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei posted a message on his Telegram channel to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, expressing gratitude for Qassem's condolences following the death of his father, the late leader Ali Khamenei.

The message stated, "We trust his wisdom and courage in confronting the enemy's conspiracies, destroying them, and restoring honor and prosperity to the people of Lebanon."

The new Iranian leader described the current period as "very sensitive" for the resistance movement. He emphasized Hezbollah's leader "has the responsibility to lead the movement," stressing that Tehran will continue to support the armed group in its "fight against" Israel and the US.

Iran's supreme leader also expressed appreciation for the "affection and loyalty" shown by Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem speaking on television in 9/2025. *AFP*

This message marks one of Mojtaba's rare communications in over three weeks since his appointment as Iran's supreme leader. He has not yet made a public appearance or delivered any public speech.

Last month, CNN, citing informed sources, reported Mojtaba sustained injuries in an Israeli attack on 28/2 that killed his father and senior Iranian military commanders. The sources indicated Iran's supreme leader suffered a broken leg, a bruised left eye, and several small lacerations on his face.

Hezbollah, a powerful militia in Lebanon, is a key component of the "Axis of Resistance," an Iran-backed network confronting the US and Israel in the Middle East. The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah erupted immediately after the Iran conflict on 28/2.

On 2/3, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel, retaliating for Ali Khamenei's death. Israel subsequently deployed troops into southern Lebanese towns and villages. Since Lebanon's involvement in the conflict, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,268 people in the country.

Ngoc Anh (According to CNN, AFP, AP)