Diplomacy – Hezbollah Signals Support for Wider Iran-US Ceasefire Efforts
Diplomacy – Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has voiced optimism that an emerging understanding between Iran and the United States could help bring an end to ongoing regional violence, with Lebanon expected to be included in any broader settlement framework.
The remarks came during a televised speech on Sunday, as tensions across the Middle East continue to shape diplomatic and military discussions involving several countries. Qassem said recent developments suggested progress toward a possible halt in hostilities and indicated that Lebanon could benefit from any final arrangement linked to regional negotiations.
Hezbollah Links Lebanon to Regional Negotiations
According to Qassem, signs point toward a larger agreement taking shape between Tehran and Washington aimed at calming the conflict that has spread across multiple fronts in the region. He said Hezbollah hopes such an arrangement would eventually lead to a full cessation of fighting involving Lebanon as well.
The Hezbollah chief delivered his comments during a broadcast aired on the group’s Al-Manar television network. His address coincided with the anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, ending nearly two decades of military presence in the area after sustained pressure from Hezbollah fighters.
Qassem also praised Iran’s role during the ongoing crisis, saying Tehran remained resilient despite the growing confrontation involving Israel and the United States. Iran has long been one of Hezbollah’s main political and military backers, supplying the group with financial support and weapons over several decades.
Rising Pressure Amid Continued Conflict
The latest comments come at a sensitive moment for Lebanon and the wider region. Hezbollah and Israel have remained engaged in escalating hostilities after the militant group launched rocket attacks toward Israel earlier this year. Hezbollah said the attacks were carried out in response to strikes attributed to the United States and Israel that reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that US President Donald Trump had reiterated Washington’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against threats, including those emerging from Lebanon.
At the same time, Lebanese officials are preparing for another round of discussions with Israeli representatives in Washington scheduled for June 2 and 3. Before those meetings, military delegations from both sides are expected to hold talks at the Pentagon on May 29.
Hezbollah Rejects Direct Negotiations
Despite the diplomatic activity, Qassem strongly opposed direct negotiations with Israel. He accused the United States of siding with Israel and argued that Washington could not act as a neutral mediator in discussions involving Lebanon.
Addressing Lebanese political leaders, Qassem urged authorities not to support direct engagement with Israel. He warned that such negotiations would primarily benefit Israel while weakening Lebanon’s national position.
His remarks also reflected growing domestic disagreement over Hezbollah’s future role in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities have previously committed to limiting the group’s armed activities and have discussed the possibility of bringing all weapons under state control following recent fighting.
Disarmament Remains a Major Dispute
Qassem firmly rejected calls for Hezbollah to surrender its weapons, insisting that the issue remains an internal Lebanese matter rather than a subject for international negotiations.
He argued that disarming Hezbollah would weaken Lebanon’s ability to defend itself and leave the country vulnerable to future attacks. According to him, removing the group’s military capabilities would effectively eliminate what Hezbollah describes as a resistance force against Israel.
The Hezbollah leader also criticized demands for the Lebanese state to hold exclusive control over weapons, claiming such proposals align with Israeli interests. He maintained that Hezbollah and its supporters face what he described as an existential threat and vowed the organization would continue resisting outside pressure.
Qassem concluded his speech by saying Hezbollah would not retreat from its position even if international opposition increased, reinforcing the group’s determination to maintain its military role despite mounting political and diplomatic challenges in the region.