Iran Declares Support for Hezbollah, Demands Israeli Withdrawal Amid Peace Deal Doubts

Iran has reiterated its strong support for Hezbollah and called for Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, highlighting significant obstacles to an interim deal aimed at resolving the wider regional conflict. The conflict, now in its fourth month, has seen renewed fighting between Hezbollah and Israel since early March, following strikes by the US and Israel against Iran.

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This war will end only when it ends in Lebanon as well. The end of the war on Lebanon must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that the war would only end when it concludes in Lebanon, emphasizing that an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories must accompany any resolution. This stance comes after Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a US-brokered pact between Israel and the Lebanese government, as Hezbollah was not involved in the negotiations and the proposed deal did not include an Israeli withdrawal. Israel has continued its operations in southern Lebanon, refusing to halt them or withdraw its forces.

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Hezbollah has made great sacrifices in the recent war and it is our ally. Therefore, we support Hezbollah and remain firmly committed to our obligations toward it.

Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, affirmed Iran's commitment to supporting Hezbollah, describing the group as an ally that has made significant sacrifices. He warned Israel against threatening to strike the Lebanese capital, Beirut, stating that Lebanon would be an inseparable part of any agreement or ceasefire. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about progress in Lebanon, though fighting persisted in various areas, including Gaza, northern Israel, and Kuwait, despite U.S.-arranged ceasefires.

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Today we again warn this sinister regime to leave Lebanon. They should know that Lebanon will be an inseparable part of any agreement and any ceasefire.

The broader regional tensions were underscored by recent exchanges between Iranian and US forces in the Gulf. Additionally, an alleged drone attack caused a temporary suspension of oil loading at Oman's Mina al Fahal terminal on Friday. The conflict's impact on regional trade remains significant, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz reduced to a fraction of its former capacity since Iran launched missiles and drones against Gulf states hosting US bases following the February 28th war against Iran.

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I believe progress is being made in Lebanon and the country deserved to have peace. It's been going on for a long time, you know.