The attack, which reportedly targeted Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

Ali Larijani, an advisor to Khamenei, addressed the situation by asserting that the "resistance has strong leaders and personnel" and assured that "every commander who becomes a martyr will have a successor." His remarks came amidst conflicting reports about Nasrallah's fate following the airstrike.

Iran's Tasnim News Agency cited informed sources confirming that both Nasrallah and senior Hezbollah leader Hashem Safi al-Din are "alive." However, Israeli media outlets, including Israeli Army Radio, speculated that Nasrallah may have been killed in the strike, claiming that there were "indicators" suggesting his presence at the targeted site and raising doubts about his survival.

According to a report by Axios, a senior Israeli official stated that "signs indicate Nasrallah was present at the attack site, and the chances of him emerging alive are slim." This has further fueled speculation and raised alarms over the potential consequences of the attack.

Israeli authorities have warned that the strike, which targeted Hezbollah's central command, could lead to a broader regional conflict. Israeli sources were quoted as saying that the airstrike on Hezbollah’s leadership may provoke a significant response, heightening fears of escalation across the region.

The New York Times also reported on Khamenei's emergency meeting in response to the Israeli assault, underscoring the growing international concern over the implications of the attack.

On Friday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Hezbollah's central headquarters, reportedly located beneath residential buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanese media reported that the strikes resulted in at least 51 casualties, including both dead and injured, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The incident marks a dangerous escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with potential reverberations throughout the Middle East. The situation remains fluid as both sides brace for further developments. (ILKHA)