TEHRAN, Iran: Iran’s president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, in one of his first foreign policy statements since winning the presidential runoff, has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s support for Lebanon’s Hezbollah and condemned Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
Pezeshkian’s message was directed to Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, and published on Iran’s official news agency, IRNA.
Pezeshkian highlighted that supporting the resistance, referring to Hezbollah and its allies, remains a core policy of Iran. He expressed confidence in the “resistance movement” to counter Israel’s “warmongering and criminal policies” in Gaza, where ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian ally of Hezbollah, has persisted for nine months. The conflict has led to daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel along Lebanon’s border, raising concerns about the potential for a broader war.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanani, also reiterated Tehran’s unwavering support for Lebanon and warned Israel of the repercussions of any aggressive actions in the region, particularly towards Lebanon.
Pezeshkian, a reformist, defeated ultraconservative Saeed Jalili in an election that was expedited following the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. This election outcome, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, signals a demand for change and opposition from the Iranian populace.
Hassan Nasrallah congratulated Pezeshkian on his electoral victory and underscored Iran’s role as a strong supporter of regional resistance groups. Hezbollah, a significant player in the Axis of Resistance, collaborates with other groups opposing Israel and the United States, including Yemen’s Houthi, Iraq’s Islamic Resistance and Hamas.
