Hezbollah vows to respond if Iran is attacked : Peoples Dispatch

cross-posted from: https://news.abolish.capital/post/24431

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem warned in a televised speech on Monday, January 26 that his group is concerned “to carry out all the procedures and make all the preparations to confront” the intended US aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Regarding the US threat to kill the Supreme Leader of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, Qassem forewarned that the assassination of the top Muslim leader would mean the elimination of stability across the West Asia region and even the entire world, because it will provoke the ire of a large number of Muslims, who look to him as a leader.

“We are concerned in confronting this threat as we consider it directed to us as well, and we are authorized to do what we see convenient to face this challenge,” the Hezbollah Chief noted.

Sheikh Naim also revealed that Hezbollah has been asked by many actors during the past couple of months whether it will intervene, should the US and Israel launch a war against Iran.

“They were requested to take a pledge from Hezbollah that it will not intervene and will not be engaged in the war in any way. They asked us this question in order for them to decide what to do in advance,” he explained.

The Lebanese resistance leader pointed out that mediators informed Hezbollah candidly that the US and Israel have been thinking what among the following three options would be better: Striking Hezbollah then Iran? Doing it the other way around? Or striking them both simultaneously?”

“In front of all these similar and intertwined possibilities and in face of the aggression, which will not distinguish between us, we are concerned with what has been happening, and we will be targeted as part of the potential assault [against Iran], therefore, we insist on defending ourselves,” the Hezbollah leader asserted.

Qassem further clarified that the Lebanese resistance group will decide on the needed actions and details, at the time of the aggression in a way that consists with the circumstances and the group’s interest, confirming that Hezbollah “will never be neutral”.

The war on Iran this time may set the entire region ablaze, Sheikh Naim Qassem warns

As for Lebanese voices that dissent the involvement of Hezbollah in defense of Iran, Sheikh Naim stated:

“Some people would object to Hezbollah’s involvement because of inequality in power, but self-defense is not limited to those who have equal powers with their aggressors.”

In addition, Qassem slammed the Lebanese state for its allegiance to the Trump administration, and for allowing it to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs.

“To those who blame us [for supporting Iran], saying that we will push Lebanon to a situation where it should not be, are we really the ones doing so, or those who are selling Lebanon to the US-Israeli mandate, which will in turn help both countries in implementing their project in Lebanon?” Sheikh Qassem asked.

Read more: Lebanese president clings to “negotiation path” as Israel launches attacks across Lebanon

“They are taking over Lebanon, with no intention to leave anything for you. It is our resistance that will get Lebanon, its dignity and status back. The past four decades is a witness to how we retrieved independence, life and status to Lebanon,” he stressed.

Sheikh Naim also cautioned that the war on Iran this time may set the entire region ablaze, highlighting the unwavering support that the Islamic Republic has provided Hezbollah with for 43 years, in its legitimate endeavours to liberate Lebanon from the Israeli occupation.

“By surrendering, we will lose everything and we will have no borders, but with self-defense we will open the door of hope for many possibilities,” Qassem emphasized.

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