Iran has marked the 18th anniversary of Lebanon's victory in the 2006 July War, asserting that the 33-day battle with "Israel" has become a symbol of Resistance against the Zionist entity.

In a statement on Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry congratulated the people, government, army, and Resistance of Lebanon, especially Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on the 18th anniversary of the "glorious victory" achieved by the Lebanese Islamic Resistance during the 33-day war in 2006.

“The 33-day war became a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Lebanese people against the Zionist regime and will always be remembered as a great victory in the minds of the people in the region,” the ministry said in a statement.

“August 23rd, the Day of Islamic Resistance, as described by the wise leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, is ‘a day when the Resistance and Hezbollah restored dignity to the Arab and Islamic world.’ With the collapse of the Zionist regime’s hollow dominance, the robust tree of resistance against the Zionist occupiers and aggressors has grown stronger and more resilient,” the statement added.

The ministry asserted that the "brilliant victory" of the Islamic Resistance, achieved through the unity and solidarity of Lebanon's diverse sects and the collective resolve of its courageous and resilient people, has "ensured stability and security" while bringing pride and honor to both the Lebanese people and the region, especially to the Resistance front against the Israeli occupation.

Iran highlights continued support for Resistance

The Iranian Ministry emphasized that Iran's steadfast support for the Resistance and opposition to the Israeli occupation has been reaffirmed over the past 18 years since that historic resistance, particularly in light of Israeli ongoing devastating aggression on Gaza. This war, lasting over ten months thus far, has resulted in the killing of at least 40,000 Palestinians and injured more than 100,000 others.

“This stance emphasizes the need for comprehensive support from countries and nations, not least the Islamic and justice-seeking ones, for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the resistance front against the Zionist enemy as the only strategic option for reclaiming the lost rights of the Palestinians, as well as those of other nations in the region, and for the liberation of Palestine and the holy city of al Quds,” it stressed.

Eighteen years ago, "Israel" launched a comprehensive military aggression against Lebanon. However, Hezbollah freedom fighters successfully repelled the Israeli occupation forces, causing them to withdraw without accomplishing their objectives.

It is worth noting that the war began on July 12, 2006, and continued until a UN-mediated ceasefire took effect on August 14, 2006.

During the war, approximately 7,000 missiles and bombs were dropped on Lebanon, including 929 cluster bombs. Israeli occupation forces destroyed or flattened 125,000 homes, forcibly displaced around 1,000,000 civilians, killed approximately 1,200 civilians, and injured 4,400 others.

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