Khamenei: Iran Will Not Retreat in Face of Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated Thursday that Iran will not back down in its stance against Israel, marking the 37th anniversary of Imam Khomeini's death. In a message commemorating Khomeini's passing, Khamenei accused the United States of establishing Israel as a military base in the region, describing Washington as the "great Satan." He said the enemy sought to break the Iranian people's resistance and create divisions within the country, but these attempts had failed. Khamenei expressed pride in the Iranian people's commitment to what he called the resistance front, emphasizing that the path initiated by Khomeini continues under his leadership. Recent hostilities between Iran and Israel were temporarily halted by a ceasefire agreement brokered through Pakistan's initiative. U.S. President Trump said Wednesday that negotiations with Iran are progressing "very well" and an agreement could be reached by the end of the week.