Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei declared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must face the death penalty for alleged war crimes in Gaza and Lebanon.

He made the statement during a meeting with Basij members on Monday, as part of the Basij Week celebrations held at Imam Khomeini Hussainia in Tehran.

"An arrest warrant is not enough," Ayatollah Khamenei stated, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon as war crimes rather than victories.

The Supreme Leader highlighted the growing influence of the Resistance Front, forecasting its continued expansion. He praised the Basij as a symbol of courage, initiative, and decisiveness, emphasizing its role in countering the strategies of enemies.

"Basij knows the enemy and is sensitive to various developments. It has no fear of death and operates with causes and goals," he remarked, adding that the Basiji ideology instills self-confidence and neutralizes the psychological tactics used by adversaries to undermine Iran's resolve.

Ayatollah Khamenei referenced Iran’s neutralization of a U.S. attempt to block the country's access to 20% enriched uranium needed for medical purposes. He described this success as an example of Basiji determination and strategic thinking.

"The Americans cheated in negotiations despite agreements mediated by prominent leaders of the time. Yet, through Basij's ideology, we overcame their malicious conspiracy," he stated.

The Supreme Leader accused the U.S. of striving to impose either tyranny or chaos in regional countries to secure its interests. He warned against complacency and called for the strengthening of Iran’s ideological and strategic resilience.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks underscored his confidence in the Basij as a cornerstone of Iran's socio-political and military strategies, particularly in resisting foreign domination and fostering national pride. (ILKHA)