A top advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has stated that Iran will steadfastly support Hezbollah in its confrontation with Israel. Ali Akbar Velayati, Khamenei’s advisor, made the comments amid escalating tensions in the region and ongoing pressures on Lebanon.
Speaking on Sunday, Velayati emphasized Hezbollah’s crucial role in what he described as confronting Zionism. He asserted that the Lebanese group is a cornerstone of the ‘axis of resistance’ against Israeli influence. This statement comes at a time when Lebanon is facing significant pressure from both the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, particularly following the group’s involvement in military clashes with Israel after the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, under the leadership and guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, will resolutely continue its support for Hezbollah, which stands on the front lines of resistance,” Velayati reportedly said, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since November 27, 2024. However, the Israeli military continues to conduct near-daily raids into Lebanon and continues incursions, land clearing operations, and bombings in the southern part of the country.
Last August, the Lebanese government adopted a U.S.-backed plan to solidify the ceasefire, which included a timeline for disarming Hezbollah and deploying the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has warned that any moves to disarm the group could ignite a civil war.
Political Tensions In November, a statement by Velayati sparked controversy after he suggested that “Hezbollah’s presence is more important to Lebanon than bread.” Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji responded on social media, stating that “what is more important than water and bread for us is our sovereignty, freedom, and independence of our internal decision-making.”
Following the dispute, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi extended an official invitation to his Lebanese counterpart to visit Tehran for consultations on bilateral relations and regional developments. However, Raji declined the invitation, recently describing Iran’s regional role as “very negative” and “a source of instability,” especially in Lebanon. Raji has also stated that Hezbollah cannot disarm without an Iranian decision.
