Khamenei's Protest Against 'Political Sections in Lebanon' Mocking Hezbollah

Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, stated on Thursday, November 8, during a speech that Lebanese officials who have 'mocked' Hezbollah are 'delusional.' Speaking at a meeting with members of the Assembly of Experts, he commented that 'some in Lebanon, including in political sections, have opened their mouths to mock this Mujahid organization, thinking that Hezbollah is weakening, while they are mistaken and delusional.' These remarks come as key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, along with nearly all the main cadre of this group, have been killed by the Israeli army, and thousands of Hezbollah forces have been killed or injured in Israeli airstrikes and bomb blasts. Khamenei explained why he considers the weakening of Hezbollah a 'delusion' by stating that he believes in the 'unquestionable divine promise' regarding the 'success' of the militia groups he supports in the region. He also cited the 'high morale' of the remaining members of Hezbollah in Lebanon, stating that 'the world and the region will one day see' Israel 'clearly defeated by these Mujahideen, which we hope all of you will witness.' The Islamic Republic's actions, which have openly supported Hezbollah as one of its proxy forces, have consistently drawn criticism, including from within Lebanon. Over the years, Iran has not only provided financial and military support to Hezbollah but has also been able to indirectly intervene in Lebanese affairs through this group. In response to remarks by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf regarding Iran's readiness to negotiate with France about UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which concerns the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south of the country, Najib Mikati, the interim Prime Minister of Lebanon, labeled it 'interference' in Lebanon's internal affairs. Mikati also stated that 'I asked Iranian officials to tone down their sentiments towards Lebanon.' Qalibaf had stated in an interview published on October 18 in the French newspaper 'Figaro' that Iran might negotiate with Paris regarding the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which stipulates that only the Lebanese army can be stationed in the south of the country. According to the official Lebanese news agency, Mikati responded on October 19, stating: 'We are surprised by this position, which is an obvious interference in Lebanon's affairs and an unacceptable attempt to establish hegemony over Lebanon.' He explicitly rejected Qalibaf's proposal, who had recently traveled to Lebanon. Earlier this year, Fouad Siniora, a former Prime Minister of Lebanon, stated in an interview that Hezbollah has effectively taken the Lebanese government hostage and that Iran is behind this.