Hezbollah will retain its weapons, says deputy chief Qassem

Sheikh Naim Qassem, the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, has affirmed that the Lebanese resistance group will retain its weapons. His statement comes amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, which have raised questions about the future of Hezbollah's arsenal.

Speaking at a public event, Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah's weapons are not subject to discussion or compromise. He reiterated the group's stance that its military capabilities are essential for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression and maintaining regional deterrence.

The remarks follow recent reports of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, with some speculating that a potential agreement could impact Hezbollah's disarmament. However, Qassem dismissed such notions, asserting that Hezbollah's decisions are independent and based on Lebanese national interests.

Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, has been a major political and military force in Lebanon since its formation in the 1980s. The group has fought multiple wars with Israel and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and several other countries. Despite international pressure, Hezbollah has maintained its weapons, arguing that they are necessary for resistance against Israeli occupation.

According to Mehr News, Qassem's statement reinforces Hezbollah's longstanding position and signals that the group will not be swayed by external diplomatic developments. The full details of the Iran-US talks remain unclear, but Hezbollah's leadership appears determined to preserve its military capabilities.