Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Friday that Iran and its regional allies will not retreat in the face of Israel, following an Israeli strike on Beirut believed to have aimed at the potential successor to the late Hezbollah leader. Khamenei described the recent actions of Iran’s armed forces as “completely legal and legitimate” during a rare appearance at Friday prayers in Tehran, referencing Iran’s missile strikes on Israel that occurred on Tuesday.

U.S. President Joe Biden indicated on Thursday that Israel’s retaliation might involve targeting Iran’s oil facilities. Reports from residents and security sources indicated that the southern suburb of Dahiye in Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, experienced renewed airstrikes shortly after midnight on Thursday, following Israeli orders for residents to evacuate certain areas.

The airstrikes reportedly targeted Hashem Safieddine, who is rumored to be the successor to the assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, while he was in an underground bunker, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing three Israeli officials.

Israel’s military refrained from commenting, and Hezbollah also did not address the situation regarding Safieddine. His brother, Sayyed Abdallah Safieddine, who serves as Hezbollah’s envoy to Iran, was present at Khamenei’s address in Tehran.

In the early hours of Friday, powerful explosions reverberated near Beirut’s main airport, leaving Lebanese civilians in a state of ongoing anxiety.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed skepticism about the likelihood of an “all-out war” in the Middle East as Israel considers its retaliatory options, emphasizing the need for measures to avert such a conflict. While the United States, the European Union, and other allies have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire in the Israel-Lebanon conflict, Biden indicated that discussions were ongoing with Israel regarding potential responses to Tehran’s actions, which could involve strikes on Iran’s oil facilities.

His remarks led to a spike in global oil prices, with escalating tensions in the Middle East raising concerns among traders about possible supply disruptions. Nevertheless, Biden stated, “There is nothing going to happen today.” When later asked if he was advising Israel against attacking Iran’s oil installations, he clarified that he would not engage in public negotiations.