Hezbollah will withstand pressure, is able to defend itself: Araghchi
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirms that efforts to disarm Hezbollah are not new, stressing that the Resistance remains strong.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listens to a question in a joint press briefing with his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi after their meeting in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 (AP)
The push to disarm Hezbollah is not anything new, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Wednesday, noting that "there have been similar previous attempts in this direction, after the battlefields demonstrated to everyone the effectiveness of the Resistance's weapons."
In an interview for Iranian TV, Araghchi added, "When some assumed Hezbollah had become weak, they revived the idea of disarmament and pushed it to the forefront. However, the decisive stance expressed by Hezbollah’s Secretary-General in his latest statement proved that the party will remain steadfast against all pressures."
He also pointed out that prominent figures, such as Sheikh Naim Qassem and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, have reaffirmed their steadfast support for Hezbollah, stressing that the party is now "at the peak of its strength."
The Iranian foreign minister pointed out that the damage Hezbollah sustained in the recent war "has been repaired, as the party has reorganized itself and redeployed its forces, with new commanders appointed."
According to available information, "Hezbollah now possesses sufficient capability to defend itself," Araghchi maintained.
Wrapping up his remarks, Araghchi stressed that "all decisions about Hezbollah's next moves lie solely with its leadership," emphasizing that Iran "offers support without meddling in these decisions."
Lebanese government pushes for Hezbollah disarmament
On August 5, the Lebanese government ordered the Lebanese Army to draft a practical plan to ensure all weapons are under state control by year-end. The army must submit the proposal to the Cabinet for review by August 31 at the latest.
The decision came after a lengthy, heated Cabinet meeting at Baabda’s presidential palace, presided over by President Joseph Aoun, where over three hours were spent debating the contentious issue of bringing all arms under state control, a matter that remains a source of sharp political division in Lebanon’s government.
On August 6, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah issued a statement strongly condemning Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government for advancing a plan to disarm the Resistance, which it denounced as a "grave sin" that not only violates Lebanon’s sovereignty but also encourages further aggression from "Israel" and the United States.
Hezbollah disclosed that the decision resulted from pressure exerted by US envoy Tom Barrack, a claim referenced during the cabinet meeting and later acknowledged by Prime Minister Salam, prompting the government to schedule further discussions on the US proposal for Thursday and directing the Lebanese army to draw up plans for disarmament.
"This decision fully serves Israel’s interests and leaves Lebanon exposed without deterrence," Hezbollah added in their statement
