Regional Militias Pledge Support to Iran

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first televised address to the nation on Thursday (12 March), issuing stern warnings to Israel and the United States while signalling that armed groups in Yemen and Iraq may join the regional confrontation in support of Tehran.

Speaking in a nationally broadcast speech from Tehran, Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue its struggle despite mounting tensions in the Middle East. He declared that the country would seek retribution for what he described as the blood of “martyrs” killed during the ongoing conflict.

“We will continue our struggle,” he said, warning Israel and its principal ally, the United States, that Iran would not retreat under pressure. His remarks come amid heightened hostilities and a widening regional crisis involving multiple state and non-state actors.

Support from Regional Armed Groups

During the address, Khamenei suggested that armed groups aligned with Iran’s ideological and political agenda could soon become actively involved in the conflict. According to him, fighters in Yemen and Iraq remain prepared to act if called upon.

He stated that resistance forces in Yemen stand ready to “fulfil their responsibilities,” implying that they could launch operations in coordination with Tehran’s broader regional strategy. Analysts interpret this as a likely reference to groups such as the Houthi movement, which has previously targeted strategic shipping lanes and military assets in the region.

Khamenei also referred to armed factions in Iraq, many of which maintain political and military ties with Iran. He said these groups support the ideals of Iran’s Islamic Revolution and are willing to assist if directed to do so. Such groups are widely believed to include militias operating within the umbrella network known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, some of which have previously launched attacks on foreign military installations.

Praise for Iranian Armed Forces

In his speech, Khamenei also expressed gratitude to Iran’s military and security forces, praising them for defending the country during what he described as a period of external pressure and aggression.

“I would like to thank the brave fighters who are performing remarkably at a time when our country faces pressure and attacks,” he said. According to the Supreme Leader, Iran’s armed forces played a crucial role in preventing the country from being subjugated or divided during recent confrontations.

Military analysts note that Iran maintains several branches of armed forces, including the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the latter widely regarded as the backbone of Tehran’s regional influence.

Warning Over US Military Bases

Khamenei also issued a direct warning regarding American military installations across the Middle East. While reiterating that Iran seeks friendly relations with neighbouring countries, he stated that attacks on US military bases would continue.

He argued that Iranian forces are specifically targeting American facilities and warned that such operations would persist unless the bases are shut down.

“All US bases in the region must be closed immediately,” he declared. “If they remain operational, they will continue to be targeted.”

The United States maintains several strategic military installations across the Middle East, including facilities in the Iraq, Syria, Qatar, and Bahrain. These bases are used for counterterrorism operations, regional security cooperation, and the protection of maritime routes.

Key Points from the Speech

Regional Implications

Khamenei’s remarks underscore the risk that the ongoing confrontation could expand beyond a bilateral conflict into a broader regional struggle involving multiple allied militias. Security experts warn that if armed groups in Yemen or Iraq begin coordinated operations, the conflict could escalate across several fronts.

International observers are closely monitoring developments, as any expansion of hostilities could threaten shipping routes, energy supplies, and overall stability in the Middle East.

The speech, reported by Al Jazeera, marks a significant moment in Iran’s evolving leadership and signals that Tehran intends to maintain a confrontational posture in the face of mounting geopolitical pressure.