Iran FM: Hezbollah cannot be eliminated or ignored despite all attempts

In an interview with Lebanon's Al Mayadeen Media Network, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Hezbollah cannot be eliminated or ignored despite all attempts by Israel and the United States. He emphasized that the Lebanese resistance movement is a major component of Lebanon's political, social, and cultural landscape and cannot be removed.

Araghchi said that any end to the US-Israeli war on Iran must also include Lebanon, stressing that both fronts are inseparable and part of a shared regional war. "We have been clear from the first day of discussions on negotiations and ceasefire arrangements that the war must end in Iran and across all resistance fronts, including Lebanon," Araghchi said.

The Iranian minister argued that the wars on Iran and Lebanon became linked through Israeli military aggression and therefore must be concluded simultaneously. He stated that either the war ends in both countries or it ends in neither.

Addressing reports that US President Donald Trump played a role in preventing an Israeli attack on Beirut's southern suburbs, Araghchi argued that deterrence by Iran and the Lebanese Resistance was the decisive factor. According to Araghchi, Tehran communicated to Washington and regional governments that any major attack on Beirut would trigger a response from Iranian armed forces and could lead to the collapse of existing ceasefire arrangements.

Araghchi further stated that the recent war demonstrated Iran's military resilience, saying the US and Israel initiated the war expecting a rapid victory but failed to achieve objectives such as forcing Tehran's surrender, changing the political system, or neutralizing Iran's missile capabilities. "All of their calculations were wrong," Araghchi said.

Regarding the martyrdom of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Araghchi said it was a "major tragedy and deep wound," but it ultimately reinforced Hezbollah rather than weakening it. He added that the Resistance is built on principles rather than individuals, and the blood of its leaders has historically contributed to its continued strength.

Araghchi also confirmed that indirect exchanges between Tehran and Washington remain ongoing despite tensions. He said Iran does not seek a prolonged war but is prepared for it if necessary. According to Mehr News, the interview covered various aspects of regional dynamics and Iran's stance on Lebanon and the Resistance Axis.