A senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for Hezbollah amid escalating tensions with Israel. Ali Akbar Velayati made these statements during a meeting with a Hezbollah representative in Tehran, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to backing the Lebanese militant group in its efforts against what he termed “Zionism.”
Velayati’s remarks come at a time when Lebanon is under mounting pressure from both the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, especially following the recent outbreak of conflict in Gaza and Hezbollah’s involvement in hostilities with Israel. He characterized Hezbollah as a crucial element in the broader “resistance front,” which Iran has long championed. This front includes various anti-Israel factions, such as Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.
Despite its historical role in the region, Hezbollah has faced significant challenges recently, primarily stemming from its military engagement with Israel and the geopolitical shifts resulting from the downfall of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. This change has disrupted the overland supply routes Iran once enjoyed with Hezbollah.
In response to international pressure, the Lebanese government has signalled a commitment to disarming Hezbollah, particularly in southern Lebanon, where the group has traditionally wielded substantial influence. However, Velayati’s earlier comments, in which he asserted that “the existence of Hezbollah is more essential for Lebanon than the daily bread,” sparked backlash in Beirut.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi publicly countered Velayati’s assertions, emphasizing that Lebanon’s priorities center around sovereignty, freedom, and the independence of its decision-making processes rather than any external claims. Raggi’s statements came in the wake of a proposed diplomatic visit from Iran, which he declined, describing Iran’s influence as “extremely negative” and a significant source of instability in Lebanon.
In a recent interview, Raggi noted that Hezbollah’s inability to disarm is closely tied to Iranian directives, asserting that without an Iranian decision, Hezbollah remains focused on consolidating its strength rather than relinquishing its arms. This complex relationship underscores the challenges facing Lebanon as it navigates its internal and external political landscapes, complicated further by its connections to regional powers like Iran.
