Khamenei Commends Hezbollah's Steadfastness
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday praised Hezbollah for its steadfast opposition to Israel, describing the Lebanese group's endurance as an inspiration for oppressed people worldwide. In an official statement released by his office and reported by Press TV, Khamenei responded to a letter of allegiance from Hezbollah fighters, commending the movement for standing "like an unyielding rock" against what he termed the "savage aggression" of Israel and its allies.
Words of Support and Resistance
Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "Today, as the nations of the world have grown weary of the tyranny and oppression of the US government and criminal Zionists, who are the destroyers of lives and generations, there remains no path forward except resistance." He emphasized that Hezbollah's enduring campaign serves as "an inspiring message for the free nations of the world in their quest for liberation from the oppression and tyranny of Global Arrogance and its proxies."
The Leader lauded Hezbollah's commanders and fighters for their endurance, describing their commitment as rooted in Islamic principles, scriptural promises, and the legacy of Imam Khomeini alongside the late former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Press TV.
Strategic Mandate for Iran
"In line with the policy set by the great martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the defence of these oppressed yet powerful fighters to be its strategic mandate," the statement emphasized. Highlighting mounting global dissatisfaction with Washington and the Israeli regime, the Supreme Leader asserted that "no path forward except jihad and resistance" remains, expressing certainty in ultimate victory.
Resilience of Lebanese People
Ayatollah Khamenei also commended the resilience of the Lebanese population, particularly in southern regions, pointing to their sacrifices as crucial to sustaining the resistance movement. Reaffirming Iran's core diplomatic posture, he underscored that defending Hezbollah fighters remains a fundamental strategic imperative for Tehran.
According to Press TV, Ayatollah Khamenei made clear that "Iran has designated the preservation of Lebanon's territorial integrity and the absolute, unconditional termination of the Zionist regime's aggression as the primary condition for any agreement to ending the war against the aggressive United States."
Tribute to Fallen Fighters
Paying tribute to fallen fighters including former Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Supreme Leader observed that their sacrifices had elevated Hezbollah "from a sapling into a mighty tree," bringing honour to Lebanon across the Islamic world. He concluded with prayers for Hezbollah's forces, veterans, displaced civilians, and martyrs' families, voicing confidence in their ultimate success.
His message directly responded to a pledge from Hezbollah personnel, who assured Ayatollah Khamenei that he would find in them "nothing but obedience, an unyielding will to achieve victory, and a love of martyrdom," according to Press TV.
Qatari Diplomatic Efforts
Separately, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held a telephonic conversation with Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri earlier in the day. The diplomats reviewed bilateral relations and discussed efforts to address Lebanon's displacement crisis. "The two sides discussed... efforts undertaken by the Lebanese government to address the challenges facing displaced persons, with the aim of creating suitable conditions for their return to their areas of origin while ensuring a dignified life," the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on X.
"HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar's support for the efforts aimed at strengthening Lebanese state institutions and consolidating security and stability in Lebanon," the statement added.
