Stating that “Hezbollah is stronger than ever,” despite Israeli claims of weakening the group, Velayati said that Iran stood against any attempted disarmament of the organization.
Senior advisor to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Ali-Akbar Velayati, affirmed on Sunday ongoing Iranian backing for Hezbollah during a meeting the Lebanese resistance group’s representative, Abdullah Safieddine, in Tehran.
Stating that “Hezbollah is stronger than ever,” despite Israeli claims of weakening the group, Velayati said that Iran stood against any attempted disarmament of the organization, Iranian media reported.
In this high-profile discussion, Safieddine briefed the Iranian representatives on the political security situation in Lebanon, which remains under Israeli occupation. Expressing firm appreciation for Iranian backing for the resistance, the Hezbollah representative reportedly made clear that the party remains prepared to defend the Lebanese people in the face of ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations.
Velayati serves as senior international affairs advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei. According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, Velayati told Safieddine that “Hezbollah, as one of the most important pillars of the resistance front, plays a fundamental role in confronting Zionism.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, under the leadership and guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, will continue its resolute support for Hezbollah, which remains at the forefront of the resistance,” he told reporters following the meeting.
Velayati: Iran Opposes Hezbollah Disarmament
The meeting saw Velayati and Safieddine double down on the right of Hezbollah to retain its weapons.
Both set the current position of the resistance within the context of preparedness in light of developing events. They signalled that Hezbollah remains strongly armed, maintaining its strategic alignment with Tehran as pressures mount from the Israeli occupation and its US backers.
In November, Velayati stated that Hezbollah’s existence is “more essential for Lebanon than the daily bread.” This provoked the ire of Lebanese Foreign Minister and (Phalangist) Lebanese Forces Party member Youssef Rajji, who retorted that “the independence of our internal decision-making” was more important. Rajji supports Hezbollah disarmament, called for by the US and Israel.
Recognizing Velayati’s personal role, Safieddine said that Iranian backing was key towards forcing Israeli acceptance of a ceasefire, despite its violations. Resistance News Network counts 120 such Israeli violations in Lebanon in the 15 days before the Tehran meeting.
(PC, IRNA, MNA)