Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei met Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday as tensions rose over possible renewed U.S. The meeting covered Iran’s military, economic and information-war challenges, along with efforts to strengthen national unity and cooperation between the government and parliament.
Khamenei called for reinforcing Iran’s national power and urged lawmakers and officials to address economic problems. He also praised public rallies supporting the Islamic Republic and the armed forces, describing them as a deterrent. Ghalibaf briefed him on parliamentary measures taken since the war began in late February and outlined current and future plans for managing the country’s challenges.
The meeting came as Israel conducted a large air-force sortie toward Iran’s border. Dozens of Israeli fighter jets and refueling aircraft reportedly followed a route through Syrian and Iraqi airspace before turning back, in an operation described by officials as a training exercise and show of force. The flight path was consistent with a potential strike, and the United States was notified in advance. Officials said the maneuver was intended to deter Iran, while others believed Israel may have been seeking an Iranian response that could justify military action.
The confrontation follows the February 28 strikes that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and began the current war. Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father but remained largely out of public view, while Ghalibaf became a prominent figure in Iran’s wartime political and negotiating structure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remained committed to a peaceful resolution but was prepared to defend itself. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, accused Iran of rebuilding its nuclear program and said regime change was the objective of Israel’s security campaign.
Analysis: The meeting places Iran’s supreme leader and one of its most influential political figures together at a moment when military signaling, economic pressure and uncertainty over diplomacy are converging. No new strikes were confirmed in the reports reviewed, but the military activity and public warnings have increased the risk that a show of force could trigger a broader confrontation.