TEHRAN – During a significant meeting on Tuesday, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, asserted that the Palestinian people and those residing in the Gaza Strip currently uphold “the highest flag of Islam” globally.

This statement was made in the presence of key figures in the Palestinian resistance movement, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, and Ziyad al-Nakhalah, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the critical role of Palestinian Resistance in advancing Islam's cause. “Today, the highest flag of Islam is in the hands of the Palestinian nation and the people of Gaza,” he declared. He credited the ongoing Resistance efforts for creating opportunities to further promote Islamic values and principles.

Highlighting the widespread support for Islam, Ayatollah Khamenei noted, “The increasing trend toward Islam at the current juncture shows the glory and grandeur of the resistance of the Palestinian nation and the people of Gaza.” He commended the people of Gaza and the West Bank as the driving force behind this resurgence, expressing hope for continued divine support for the Palestinians and their Resistance forces.

Ismail Haniyeh, representing Hamas, expressed gratitude towards Iran for its unwavering support of Palestine and the Resistance movement. 

He underscored the critical phase of their struggle, noting, “The Palestinian people and Resistance fighters must establish their heroism and victory against Israel as the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza has reached a critical and historical stage after 300 days.”

Leader highlights importance of strengthening ties with Tajikistan

On Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei met with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon and his delegation, emphasizing the importance of bolstering relations with regional countries, particularly those sharing linguistic, cultural, historical, and religious ties with Iran.

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Tajikistan across various sectors. "The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to sincere collaboration with Tajikistan, as it has always been," he declared.

The Leader of Islamic Revolution expressed appreciation for President Rahmon's visit to Tehran to attend President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony. He emphasized that such high-level visits lay the groundwork for increased bilateral cooperation. 

Concluding the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution acknowledged that efforts to expand Iran-Tajikistan relations face opposition, stressing the need for a strategic approach to overcome these challenges effectively.

Leader reaffirms Iran's support for Armenia’s territorial integrity

During a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his delegation on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of preserving Armenia's territorial integrity, declaring that Iran views the Zangezur corridor as detrimental to Armenia and remains steadfast in this position.

Ayatollah Khamenei underscored Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with its neighbors, particularly Armenia. "We are truly committed to developing relations with Armenia, and the cooperation between the two countries, based on mutual interests and without considering the policies of others, will continue strongly," he stated.

The Supreme Leader expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Pashinyan's attendance at President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration ceremony and the funeral of Martyr Raisi. He reiterated Iran's support for Armenia’s territorial integrity and opposition to the Zangezur corridor.

Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the need for countries to rely on themselves and their close neighbors for security and prosperity, rather than external powers. "The security and interests of countries are ensured by relying on themselves and their close neighbors, and the actions of those who interfere from afar ultimately harm them," he remarked.

The Leader also noted the strong ties between the Iranian people and the Armenian community in Iran, acknowledging their significant contributions during the Iran-Iraq War. "I have personally visited the homes of many Armenians," he added.

Ayatollah Khamenei affirmed the respect Muslims have for Jesus Christ (PBUH) and condemned any insults to religious figures, including Jesus Christ (PBUH).

Prime Minister Pashinyan, joined by First Vice President Aref, expressed satisfaction with the growing relations between Iran and Armenia. He described his discussions with President Pezeshkian as constructive and positive, reiterating that Armenia has consistently rejected any extraterritorial corridors within its borders.

Pashinyan characterized the relationship between Iran and Armenia as strategic, expressing delight at the expanding and diversifying ties and underscoring the importance of continuing this trend.

Continuing his meetings, Ayatollah Khamenei also met with Sheikh Naim Qassem, Deputy Secretary General of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Mohammad Abdul Salam, the Ansarallah spokesman, and Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on Tuesday afternoon.