Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, declared that the “zero hour” had arrived and launchers were being prepared, signaling heightened readiness amid escalating tensions in Beirut. In a post on social media platform X, he said a miscalculation in Beirut had exhausted Iran’s patience and that necessary orders had been issued. Velayati emphasized Hezbollah’s key role in the resistance axis and warned that if unrest in Lebanon continued, the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb could be used to choke off economic lifelines.

His remarks were widely viewed as a strong warning from Tehran amid rising regional instability. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over recent attacks in Beirut, urging all parties to exercise restraint. He said Israel’s recent strikes had delayed the signing of a proposed U.S.-Iran peace agreement by several hours but remained hopeful it would be finalized on Sunday.

According to Reuters, mediators believe the U.S.-Iran deal is nearing completion, though Tehran remains unwilling to accept terms that would allow Israel to continue military operations across the region.