In the wake of the recent killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Iran's political landscape is witnessing a significant escalation in rhetoric and demands for action. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority as the head of Iran's Armed Forces, has urged 'all Muslims to stand with the people of Lebanon and the honorable Hezbollah' through posts on social media.
Hardliners' Calls for Aggressive Action
Iran's ultra-hardliners, including supporters of former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, are pushing for drastic measures. They are advocating for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for a significant percentage of the world's oil shipments, and the development of nuclear weapons. Sohrab Salehi, a university professor, emphasized that 'Iran burned its cards in the past. Now the only available card is the Atom Bomb. This is the only way to bring the West to negotiations.'
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
However, not everyone agrees with these suggestions. Many argue that closing the Strait of Hormuz could escalate tensions and backfire on Iran economically and diplomatically. Additionally, there is the issue of Khamenei's reported religious edict against weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms, which complicates the push for nuclear weapon development.
Khamenei's Stance and Broader Political Context
Khamenei's response to Nasrallah's death has been cautious, urging support for Lebanon and Hezbollah without calling for direct retaliation. This approach has disappointed some hardliners who anticipated a more aggressive response. The situation is part of a broader reassessment within Iran's political circles regarding the fallout from Israel's recent military actions.
Abdolreza Davari, a former ally of ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has called for a more pragmatic approach. He described the operation that killed Nasrallah as an 'irreparable blow to the body of the resistance front,' highlighting the need for careful consideration in Iran's response.
