Morteza Kazemian, an Iranian commentator, told Iran International that Nasrallah’s death marks a new era for the Islamic Republic, where it must either “abandon its ambitions or adopt a pragmatic stance regarding Israel."
Following the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon, reactions have emerged both from within Iran and beyond.
Many social media users and viewers of Iran International expressed joy at his passing, with some even wishing the same fate for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the autocratic ruler of Iran.
Khamenei announced a five-day period of public mourning for Nasrallah. However, videos sent to Iran International reveal a starkly different reaction from some Iranians, who were seen celebrating Nasrallah's death by distributing pastries in the streets and even raising toasts. In one video, a citizen handing out pastries mockingly addressed Khamenei, saying, 'It seems these people are very close to you. You’re hiding today, but what about tomorrow?'"
In other messages shared with Iran International, Iranians directed scorn towards Khamenei and Hezbollah. "You took from the mouths of Iranians and gave to Hezbollah. Now, with the death of Nasrallah, your dreams have been shattered," said one citizen. Another remarked, "Nasrallah was just a puppet; the head of this octopus is in Iran."
A different one addressing Khamenei, mentioning all his prominent allies who have been assassinated in recent years: "Take a look—Nasrallah, Haniyeh, Qasem Soleimani, Raisi, Zahedi. What else do you want? What happened? How much of your bluster is only for the people? You only know how to bully your own people... Soon, your turn will come too." Another added, "Not only was your Nasrallah killed, but billions of dollars of the Iranian people’s money were wasted. Khamenei, I foresee a day when they will come for you as well."
Political commentator Ali-Hossein Ghazizadeh told Iran International, "History has shown that anyone who tries to save Hamas not only fails, but also risks being pulled into collapse alongside it."
Morteza Kazemian, another commentator, noted that Nasrallah’s death marks a new era for the Islamic Republic, where it must either “abandon its ambitions or adopt a pragmatic stance regarding Israel.”
Meanwhile, in central Tehran, a group of pro-government protesters gathered, carrying posters of Nasrallah and Palestinian flags, chanting slogans like “Death to Nasrallah's enemy.” Some demonstrators also warned of Israel's destruction, with one protester saying, "We have heard the message clearly (the killing of Nasrallah). Israel will be destroyed, Israel is finished for sure, the oppressor Israel will go."
A banner displayed on a building read in English, Farsi, and Hebrew, “We will seek revenge. You can't imagine where or when." Another protester remarked, "It is certainly the fault of Islamic countries because, as the Supreme Leader said today in his message, this rabid dog is taking advantage. If we don't attack, it will want to invade all Islamic countries. Hopefully, with the help of God, we will unite, and we'll see Israel's destruction very soon."
University professor Majid Nasiri, speaking to AFP during the protest, said that “Through the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, I sensed we were getting closer to the destruction of the Zionist regime because more martyrdom makes people of the world more aware and more hateful towards the Zionist regime.”
Another protester, Mahboubeh Ansari, told reporters, "I am here to slap Israel in the face and say we are here to support Palestine, we support Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah."
Videos released on social media also show that a group of government supporters gathered in front of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, chanting slogans. Using loudspeakers, they repeated the words of Ayatollah Khomeini: "Shed the blood, and our nation will become more awakened."
A group of Shia seminary students also staged a rally in Qom, symbolically wearing shrouds as a display of their readiness for martyrdom in response to Nasrallah's death.
In a message to Iran International, one individual sarcastically urged Khamenei to send those who have registered to fight against Israel sooner, so "we can have even more joy."
Another citizen condemned Nasrallah as a “terrorist” and expressed hope that a similar event would occur in Tehran, “bringing happiness to many.”
Additionally, Syrians were also seen celebrating the death of Nasrallah, with videos circulating online showing people in Syria distributing sweets on Friday night.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militants, says it has launched multiple drone attacks against Eilat in southern Israel.
US President Joe Biden held a call on Saturday with VP Kamala Harris and his national security team on the developments in the Middle East, the White House said.
“President Biden convened a call with Vice President Harris and their national security team to receive an update on the situation in the Middle East, review the status of US military force posture in the region, and direct continued diplomatic efforts to coordinate with allies and partners and deescalate the ongoing conflicts. The President and Vice President will continue to receive regular updates,” the White House added.
The Lebanese Health Ministry announced that 783 people have been killed and 2,312 others injured as a result of Israeli attacks since Monday. That includes 33 fatalities on Saturday.
The number of victims since Monday accounts for nearly half of the 1,640 people killed in Lebanon since October 8, according to Health Ministry figures.
Lebanon's Hezbollah joined the Hamas' war against Israel on October 8, one day after the Palestinian group's coordinated attacks in southern Israel.
The Israeli military targeted Nasrallah because “he was building such a huge arsenal of weapons” including 200,000 rockets, missiles and drones for the sole purpose of going “to war with Israel," IDF spokesman Peter Lerner told CNN.
He added that the primary goal of the Israeli military with regard to Hezbollah is to restore safety and security in northern Israel so that the 60,000 Israelis who have evacuated the area can return home.
