Iran's Khamenei Blames US and European Nations for West Asia's Troubles

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has identified the United Nations and certain European nations as the fundamental cause of issues in West Asia, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA. Speaking to a group of Iranian elites and top students in Tehran on Wednesday, he emphasized that conflicts, wars, and hostilities in the region stem from the presence of those who profess to advocate for peace, namely the United States and select European countries.

Khamenei argued that if these nations ceased their harmful practices, regional conflicts would diminish, allowing local populations to govern themselves and coexist peacefully. He referred to the historical example of Iraq's former dictator, Saddam Hussein, to illustrate how foreign provocations have led to severe consequences in the region.

Expressing sorrow over the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, Khamenei labeled his passing as a significant event and indicated that he would address Lebanon's situation and Nasrallah's legacy in the near future. The recent escalation of turmoil in West Asia has been exacerbated by Iran's launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles targeting Israel, prompting the U.S. military to coordinate closely with Israeli defense forces.

In response to the missile strikes, U.S. naval destroyers collaborated with Israeli air defense units to intercept incoming missiles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, labeling it a "big mistake" and warned that Tehran would face repercussions. Netanyahu stated, "Iran made a big mistake today and will pay for it," asserting the regime's failure to comprehend Israel's resolve to defend itself.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) characterized Iran's missile assault as a "severe...