Hezbollah Chief Says Hopes for Iran-US Deal and That It Includes Lebanon

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem voiced hope on Sunday for a potential agreement between Iran and the United States, expressing a desire for Lebanon to be included in any terms that would lead to a cessation of hostilities. Hezbollah has been engaged in clashes with Israel since March 2, when the group drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East conflict by firing rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

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God willing, this agreement will be finalized and there are signs of its completion, and accordingly that we too will be among those included in this agreement -- an agreement of a full cessation of hostilities.

Qassem stated that Iran, a long-time provider of funding and weapons to Hezbollah, is in a strong position and will emerge from the regional war "with its head high." He indicated that signs point toward the finalization of an agreement between Tehran and Washington, and that Lebanon would be part of this comprehensive ceasefire. This comes as Lebanon prepares for further direct talks with Israel, scheduled for June 2 and 3 in Washington, following a military delegation meeting at the Pentagon on May 29.

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is on top and would emerge from the regional war "with its head high".

However, Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's firm rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, characterizing key ally Washington as "not an honest broker." He argued that direct talks would solely benefit Israel and urged Lebanese authorities to abandon them. "Don't be with them and stab us in the back," he advised, suggesting that aligning with the U.S. would yield no benefits and that supporting one's country is the better course.

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Direct negotiations are completely unacceptable and are a pure gain for Israel.

Despite facing significant losses in the ongoing hostilities, Hezbollah maintains its refusal to disarm. The group views its weapons as an internal Lebanese matter, not subject to negotiation in Washington. Qassem asserted that disarmament would strip Lebanon of its defensive capabilities and pave the way for "annihilation." He described the demand for a state monopoly on weapons as an Israeli project aimed at destroying the resistance, concluding that "All the facts prove that we and our people face an existential threat."

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Abandon the direct negotiations and do not give to America so that it gives to Israel... Return to the national understanding.