Khamenei: The Hand of Divine Revenge Will Grasp Saudi Officials

The leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reacted on Sunday morning, January 3, to the execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, stating that "without a doubt, the hand of divine revenge will grasp the Saudi politicians." This statement is the first public reaction from the highest authority of the Islamic Republic and follows a series of threats and criticisms from Iranian military and political figures. Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had stated in a statement that "in the not-too-distant future, a severe revenge will be taken from the criminals of Al Saud, leading to the collapse and downfall of the foundations of this terrorist-supporting, hated, and anti-Islam regime." Saudi officials have reacted strongly to the recent statements and warnings from Iran regarding the execution of Sheikh Nimr, accusing Iran of interfering in their internal affairs. The execution of the prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia has also been met with criticism and concern from countries like the United States and the European Union. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the "necessity of the world's responsibility" regarding the execution of Sheikh Nimr and the events in "Yemen and Bahrain." Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting Shia groups in the region. Currently, Iranian-backed Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition are engaged in a battle for control of Yemen. Both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis have been accused by international human rights organizations of potentially committing war crimes. Tensions following the execution of the Shia cleric have not been limited to verbal attacks; the Saudi embassy in Tehran has also been targeted, with parts of it set on fire during these attacks. According to the Islamic Republic's leadership office, Khamenei stated on Sunday morning, "Without a doubt, the hand of divine revenge will grasp the oppressors who have harmed him, and this is what brings solace." The leader of the Islamic Republic rejected Saudi accusations against Sheikh Nimr, asserting that he did not encourage armed movement among the people. Khamenei had previously directed threats toward Riyadh, including after a deadly incident during the Hajj pilgrimage that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Iranian pilgrims. At that time, Khamenei stated that if Iran were to react, it would be a violent and severe response. The King of Saudi Arabia dismissed the criticisms regarding the management of the Hajj as politically motivated. In this context, the attack by "self-styled individuals" on the Saudi embassy in Tehran has raised concerns in the United States regarding the repercussions of Sheikh Nimr's execution in Saudi Arabia.