Beirut [Lebanon], June 20: Amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has pledged “all forms of support” to Iran, accusing the United States and Israel of destabilizing the region and unjustly targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
In a speech delivered on Thursday night, Qassem declared:
“It [Iran’s nuclear program] does not harm anyone; it is a great scientific contribution to Iran’s advancement, built on self-reliance.”
He claimed global opposition to Iran stems not from its nuclear program but because it “stands for faith, knowledge, and freedom” and supports “the oppressed”.
Qassem sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of pushing the Middle East toward chaos and instability.
“America is leading the region into open crises. Iran has every right to defend itself, and people across the region have the right to stand by it and its leadership,” he added.
Hezbollah, a close ally of Tehran, reaffirmed its loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, calling on “all free people” and resistance groups to demonstrate courage and support for Iran.
U.S. Issues Stern Warning to Hezbollah
In response, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, issued a strong warning during a visit to Beirut, stating that Hezbollah joining the conflict would be
“a very, very, very bad decision.”
Following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Barrack reiterated President Trump’s position: Hezbollah must stay out of the conflict, and Lebanon should move to disarm the militant group.
Trump’s Decision on U.S. Involvement Pending
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. will join Israel militarily in its confrontation with Iran.
“There’s a substantial chance of negotiations… The President will make his decision soon,” Leavitt noted.
The administration continues to oppose Iran’s uranium enrichment, maintaining its zero-tolerance stance on Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Background: Operation Rising Lion
Tensions have surged since June 13, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, a large-scale attack targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes, escalating regional fears of a broader war.
As the conflict deepens, the possibility of diplomatic engagement remains uncertain, with regional actors and international powers carefully watching how the U.S. navigates the crisis.