'Psychopath, Dangerous Maniac': Dutch Politician Wilders Clashes With Iran's Khamenei After Missile Attack On Israel

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Dutch politician Geert Wilders became embroiled in a heated exchange in Hebrew on social media on Tuesday as tensions escalated in the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In an unusual exchange on X, Khamenei warned that “the blows of the resistance front will grow stronger and more painful against the worn and decaying body of the Zionist regime,” reflecting Iran’s increasing hostility toward Israel.

Wilders sharply rebuked Khamenei, labelling him a “psychopath” and a “dangerous maniac,” while reaffirming his steadfast support for Israel. He declared, “Reason, democracy, and freedom will prevail.”

‘Iranian axis of evil’

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed gratitude to Wilders for his support, tweeting that solidarity from global leaders is invaluable. Katz condemned Iran’s actions as crossing a red line and called for unity against the “Iranian axis of evil.”

This exchange follows a significant escalation in violence, with Iran reportedly launching around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, triggering thousands of rocket sirens nationwide. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported damage in cities like Tel Aviv and Beersheba, with some missiles intercepted by air defenses. However, others caused destruction, including a direct hit on a Chabad school in Gedera.

The IDF has vowed to respond decisively, planning strikes on Iranian targets throughout the Middle East. The situation has drawn international concern, with countries such as the US, France, Jordan, and the UK closely monitoring developments in the region. On Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv warned its nationals to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel within the country.

International Calls

The Indian mission said that it is closely monitoring the situation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This warning comes after similar advisories were issued last month urging caution for Indian nationals living in Lebanon.

UN chief Antonio Guterres led international calls to stem the “broadening conflict in the Middle East”, saying in a statement: “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.” While Iran-backed groups across the region had already been drawn into the Gaza war, sparked by Palestinian group Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, Tehran had largely refrained from direct attacks on its regional foe.

“I am extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon and appeal for an immediate ceasefire. An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected,” Guterres said.