Iran to support Lebanon, Resistance after war: Ghalibaf - Exclusive
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The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament underlines that Iran will not abandon Lebanon and would firmly stand by its side against "Israel".
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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during his interview with AL Mayadeen on October 12, 2024. (Screengrab/Al Mayadeen)
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf commented on a widely circulated image of him piloting a plane to Lebanon, stating, "Yes, I mentioned that I piloted the plane during my trip to Lebanon. In fact, we wanted to emphasize that we follow our dear leader's example, who led Friday prayers despite enemy threats, with a strong presence from our proud people who are always in the arena."
In an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen, Ghalibaf continued, "It was natural when we came here that I piloted the plane myself. We came to Lebanon, and it was a pleasure to be among our brothers and the Lebanese people, inspecting the damaged areas."
The Israeli occupation had previously threatened against any Iranian aircraft landing in the Beirut International Airport in light of the ongoing aggression on Lebanon. When asked about said threats, Ghalibaf said, "We do not fear the enemy, and we carried out this mission in accordance with international laws. We have no fear of coming here."
Asked about a potential Israeli attack and the likelihood of the war escalating, Ghalibaf remarked, "We have stated many times that we do not wish to expand the scope of the war. We have not desired, nor will we desire, to expand the war. But we will certainly respond to any attack or violation."
"We will respond with strength and in a noticeable and appropriate manner. This was clearly demonstrated previously, and I hope this response serves as a lesson to our enemies," the Iranian parliament speaker said.
Regarding the scale of Iran's response in the event of an Israeli attack, Ghalibaf emphasized, "We do not understand what it means to respond within certain limits or frameworks."
"We will definitely retaliate against any attack on our country, and we will not leave any assault unanswered. However, as you saw in [Operation] True Promise 2, our response targeted only military, intelligence, security, and terrorist sites, and of course, our response was purely military," he said.
On the rumors surrounding Quds Force Commander General Esmail Qaani's health, Ghalibaf reassured, "He is in good health, continuing his duties, and the rumors spread about him are false and malicious."
The top Iranian official also warned countries that might support or open their airspace and land to the Israeli occupation, saying, "We have repeatedly said that the airspace and lands of neighboring countries should not be used as a launchpad for attacks on our country. If this happens, our response will be clear and natural—any place from which an attack on our country is launched will certainly be targeted."
He expressed confidence that regional neighbors would adhere to this stance, as they have in the past, adding, "We have peaceful relations with all countries in the region."
Regarding the Iranian people's consensus on supporting their allies, the Iranian Speaker emphasized, "There is a consensus on this matter, as you have seen in our reactions. We have a united front in supporting the Lebanese and Palestinian people, extending humanitarian aid to them in the face of the hardships they endure."
"Our people, along with the Islamic nations, are providing both material and humanitarian support to the Lebanese and Palestinian people," he sttressed.
On Iran's support for the Resistance in Lebanon, especially after the war, Ghalibaf concluded, "It is natural for us to contribute to rebuilding the infrastructure and damaged areas. We will offer support, and Islamic countries will also play a role."
Ghalibaf affirmed that this unity remains strong in Iran and among the Islamic World, adding that "the resistance and the Axis of Resistance continue to receive attention, as they always have."
Iran to help Lebanon reel in from war
The leader of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has announced plans to open a new hospital to treat Lebanese displaced due to the ongoing Israeli aggression on the country.
Pirhossein Kolivand, speaking on Saturday, referred to the Iranian field hospital, which was targeted by "Israel" on Thursday, revealing the fully equipped institution had no patients at the time of the incident.
"Fortunately, no patients had been admitted when the attack occurred," Kolivand stated.
Kolivand reiterated the IRCS' steadfast commitment to delivering humanitarian help to Lebanon, vowing to establish another hospital to assist victims in Lebanon.
He also revealed the massive amount of medical, food, and biological supplies that were completely destroyed in the strike, describing that "Even the Red Crescent ambulances stationed at the hospital were set ablaze.”
Kolivand denounced the bombing, calling it a "crime against humanity," and emphasized that "even medical facilities are protected under international law during war."
Despite the casualties, Kolivand pledged that humanitarian operations would continue, citing that a new hospital facility was being equipped 40 km away from the previous location.
Kolivand also emphasized the vital needs of the Lebanese people, highlighting the need for both monetary and non-monetary assistance.
