In a meeting with Mr. Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament this afternoon, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his appreciation for the sympathy shown by the government and people of Lebanon in this bitter and heart-rending incident. He said, "The declaration of national mourning in Lebanon indicates the deep solidarity between the two countries, and we consider our relationship with our Lebanese brothers and Mr Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah as one of kinship and brotherhood."

He considered the recent incident involving the loss of a prominent figure and said, "This is difficult for us, but by the grace of God, the Iranian people will use this bitter incident as an opportunity; as has been the case in previous years where difficult events turn into opportunities."

Referring to the mourning procession of the Iranian nation for the late President and his entourage, the Supreme Leader added, " Thanks be to God, our nation is standing fast and vigilant, and our trust and reliance on the Almighty God is immense. God willing, the Iranian nation will benefit from this incident."

Ayatollah Khamenei also expressed satisfaction with the solidarity among the resistance groups in Lebanon and confirmed Mr Nabih Berri's statement about the "existential" war in the region. The Leader said, "The current conditions in the region are such that it is a matter of life and death for both the Zionist enemy and the front of truth."

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, "Lebanon's involvement in recent events in Palestine and Gaza has had a profound impact, and if such actions had not been taken, Lebanon would certainly have suffered the most damage."

Mr Berri also expressed the deep sorrow and grief of the Lebanese people and government over the recent incident, saying, "We consider the wounds and injuries inflicted on our Iranian brothers as our wounds and injuries, and it was our duty to represent the Lebanese government and people in Tehran."

Referring to the regional situation and the war in Gaza, Mr Berri called it a "war of existence" adding, "Lebanon could not remain silent in the face of the massacre of the people of Gaza, which is why Lebanon's resistance has entered the field to help them. We consider the first condition for changing the current situation to be the cessation of the Gaza war."