A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described Hezbollah as the cornerstone and true protector of Lebanon's existence and independence, according to a single report. The statement, published Sunday afternoon, reaffirms Tehran's longstanding position on the group's role in the country.
A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly described Hezbollah as the cornerstone and true protector of Lebanon's existence and independence, according to a single report published Sunday afternoon. The statement comes amid a backdrop of intensified international pressure on Hezbollah and deepening internal Lebanese criticism of the group's role as an Iranian proxy.
As The Zioneer has previously reported, the U.S. State Department last Saturday labeled Hezbollah Iran's most dangerous proxy and accused it of dragging Lebanon into devastating wars against the will of its people and government (June 27, 08:48). Lebanese Christian leaders have publicly stated that Iran, not Israel, is the real threat (June 23, 17:05), and Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea urged Washington to support the sovereign Lebanese state over Hezbollah (June 22, 17:15). Lebanon's own foreign minister has described Hezbollah as an unlawful military organization and an Iranian arm (June 11, 11:34).
The adviser's remarks appear designed to counter these narratives and reaffirm Iran's unwavering support for Hezbollah ahead of ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. The comment is sourced from a single report; no additional details about the adviser's name or context were provided.
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