DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday denounced Israel as a “tumor” to be eliminated and hailed Tehran’s supply of weaponry to Palestinian armed groups fighting against it.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a live televised speech marking the annual Al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), in Tehran, Iran May 22, 2020. Official Khamenei Website/Handout via REUTERS
Opposition to Israel is a touchstone of belief for Shi’ite-led Iran, which backs Palestinian and Lebanese Islamic militant groups opposed to peace with the Jewish state, which Tehran refuses to recognize.
“The uprising by Palestinians should continue … fight to liberate Palestine is an obligation and an Islamic jihad … The Zionist regime (Israel) is a deadly, cancerous tumor in the region. It will undoubtedly be uprooted and dest