Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem firmly stated on Monday that the Lebanese resistance group will not remain neutral in the event of a war on Iran. This declaration was made during a ceremony held in solidarity with the Islamic Republic, its leadership, and its people. Sheikh Qassem emphasized that any conflict against Iran could potentially engulf the entire region.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem articulated that threats against Iran's Supreme Leader, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, are perceived by Hezbollah as direct threats against themselves. He disclosed that over the past two months, mediators sought assurances that Hezbollah would refrain from involvement in any potential conflict involving Iran. Sheikh Qassem reiterated that Hezbollah views itself as included and targeted in any aggression and pledged to defend its position.
Addressing the audience via video link, Sheikh Qassem highlighted Hezbollah's adherence to the principle of Wilayat Al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) as both a matter of faith and a fundamental principle. He declared that silence is not an option when threats are made against Imam Khamenei, asserting that such threats are perceived as threats against millions of people.
Sheikh Qassem praised Iran as a "beacon of freedom," noting its advancements in various fields despite facing aggression. He referenced recent unrest in Iran, attributing it to external efforts to destabilize the Islamic establishment by exploiting socio-economic issues.
Sheikh Qassem further warned of a "single colonial project" linking Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iran, and the broader region, orchestrated by the US and Israel. He cautioned that these forces aim to dismantle any resistance movements throughout the region. He revealed that mediators had been in contact with Hezbollah to secure a commitment to non-interference in a potential US-Israeli war on Iran. He described these communications as indicative of the strategic considerations of whether to target Hezbollah or Iran first, or simultaneously.
In response to suggestions that Hezbollah might be exacerbating tensions, Sheikh Qassem questioned the notion of defense being contingent on parity of power. He criticized those who accuse Hezbollah of dragging Lebanon into conflict while allegedly selling the nation to American interests. He asserted that the narrative of US, Israel, and their allies is predicated on submission, contrasting it with Hezbollah's stance of defense and hope.
Concluding his speech, Sheikh Qassem addressed the resistance's adversaries, asserting that dignity and honor are within Hezbollah's control, while life and death are in divine hands. He expressed solidarity with the Iranian nation, referring to them as the "crown jewel," and reaffirmed that Hezbollah stands united with Iran.