Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem affirmed on Saturday that Lebanon’s liberation was achieved through the resistance, which expelled the Israeli occupation, noting that without its weapons, who could guarantee that the Israeli enemy would not seize every corner of the country? He warned that US President Donald Trump aims to dominate the world, block democratic life, and seize resources, while he and Zionist Prime Minister Netanyahu use agents in Iran to attack the Islamic establishment and its resistance.
Speaking at a ceremony organized by Lebanon’s Holy Quran Association to mark the Prophet Mohammad’s appointment to prophethood (Al-Maba’th Al-Nabawi) and honor graduates who memorized the Quran, Sheikh Naim Qassem said the occasion represents “the path to human perfection,” stressing that the Quran provides a complete framework for life, ethics, and moral conduct.
Al‑Mab’ath: A Guiding Light for Humanity
Sheikh Qassem described the anniversary of Al‑Mab’ath Al‑Nabawi as one of the greatest turning points in human history, when God entrusted His Messenger with a comprehensive and universal Islamic message designed to guide humanity toward truth, justice, and moral excellence.
His Eminence emphasized that the Prophet’s mission serves as a gateway to noble character and a better life, rooted in adherence to divine teachings. “Islam alone guides humanity to the path of truth, and wherever the divine will stands, there lies the truth.”
Sheikh Qassem highlighted Quran memorization as a deeply human and civilizational endeavor, urging the development of an integrated Quranic culture. As an example of resilience, he cited wounded pager-device victims who continued memorizing the Quran despite their injuries, describing them as stronger than their wounds and models of moral elevation.
Iran: A Sovereign State Under Targeted Pressure
Turning to regional and international developments, Sheikh Qassem said former US President Donald Trump seeks to interfere across the world to suppress free, democratic, and Islamic life, seize resources, and dominate nations.
He stressed that since 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stood as a fully sovereign state built on the capabilities of its own people and has consistently supported what he described as honorable resistance movements, particularly against Israeli occupation.
Sheikh Qassem said ongoing attempts to weaken Iran rely on fomenting unrest, exploiting economic grievances, and activating US- and Mossad-linked agents under the guise of peaceful protest. He asserted that these efforts have failed, noting that millions of Iranians took to the streets to express their genuine demands and reaffirm their national resolve.
“The United States does not want a free system but seeks to control people, their choices, and their capabilities while backing occupation and regional expansion.”
Sheikh Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s full support for Iran’s people, leadership, and Islamic Revolution, describing the country as steadfast and strong. “God willing, Iran will remain a fortress of jihad, resistance, freedom, and support for the oppressed worldwide.”
Venezuela and Global Targets
Addressing Venezuela, Sheikh Qassem described the abduction of its president, Nicholas Maduro, and his wife as “the crime of the era,” accusing Washington of seeking to plunder the country’s wealth and oil and absorb it into US control.
His Eminence warned that US aims extend far beyond Venezuela, citing Greenland, Cuba, Canada, and even the European Union as targets of American expansionism.
“All of Trump’s moves are aimed at global domination.”
Call for a Global Response
Sheikh Qassem called for an international movement—by both governments and peoples—to confront US hegemony and tell Washington to stop its aggressive policies.
“This is a global responsibility to defend sovereignty, dignity, and the right of nations to choose their own path.”
Domestic Scene: A New Phase for Lebanon
On the domestic front, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said that with the conclusion of the Mighty Warriors Battle, Lebanon has entered a new phase of confrontation and a new political era, stressing that the group has participated responsibly in all efforts to build the state.
His Eminence said Lebanon has yet to achieve stability due to continued Israeli-American aggression, the ongoing occupation, and the “poisoning role” played by internal forces serving US and Israeli interests.
Sheikh Qassem warned that political stability cannot be achieved without security stability, stressing that following the recent confrontation, the Lebanese state is now responsible for protecting its citizens.
Ceasefire, Resolution 1701, and State Responsibility
Sheikh Qassem said that implementing the ceasefire agreement is a core requirement of the new phase, noting that Lebanon has fulfilled all its obligations and that the resistance facilitated its implementation without a single violation from the Lebanese side.
His Eminence stressed that the agreement is indivisible and must be implemented in full. He added that UN Resolution 1701, the arms exclusivity, and the national security strategy are purely Lebanese matters, rejecting any external role.
Additionally, Sheikh Qassem attributed the obstruction of state-building to Israeli-American aggression, the financial and political cartel, and groups aligned with US tutelage.
Foreign Ministry and Government Accountability
Sheikh Qassem said the absence of a foreign minister who represents Lebanon’s national interests has paralyzed diplomacy, questioning whom the foreign minister truly represents.
His Eminence stated that the minister is acting outside state policy, undermining civil peace, inciting strife, and opposing the presidency, government, people, and the resistance. “The Lebanese government bears responsibility and must either change the minister, silence him, or compel him to adhere to Lebanon’s official policy.”
Sovereignty, Arms, and Resistance
Hezbollah’s Sheikh Qassem said Lebanon faces corruption, dependency, and aggression, stressing that sovereignty and liberation are the foundations of state-building.
“What has actually been implemented from the ministerial statement, particularly regarding sovereignty?”
His Eminence said Lebanon fully complied with the ceasefire terms south of the Litani River, while Israel implemented nothing, leaving Lebanon with “zero national sovereignty,” as mechanisms and UNIFIL await Israeli demands. “Where is sovereignty, and who is stopping the aggression?” he asked.
On the issue of arms exclusivity, Sheikh Qassem said it is an Israeli-American demand aimed at encircling the resistance and serves Israeli interests. He said the Israeli enemy cannot build settlements as long as resistance, people, and an army exist but would do so freely in their absence.
Further, His Eminence warned that abandoning arms would mark the end of Lebanon, saying any further concessions would only weaken the country.
“Our weapons exist to defend ourselves, our people, and our homeland.”
Resistance as a National Safeguard
Sheikh Qassem asked who could guarantee that the Israeli enemy would not violate every inch of Lebanon without resistance weapons, warning that disarmament would lead to killings, kidnappings, and chaos.
His Eminence stressed that Lebanon was liberated by the resistance, which expelled the Israeli occupation without agreements or concessions, adding that “Israel’s” occupation is what gave rise to the resistance—not the other way around.
“The Israeli enemy will not be appeased, as shown by its open claims over Mount Hermon. Without the resistance, settlements would have been established in the south and a buffer zone imposed.”
“With weapons, the Israeli enemy does not enjoy stability, as the resistance will never surrender, and legitimate defense remains a right at all times.”
Sheikh Qassem said the resistance has acted with wisdom, built cooperative relations with the state and political forces, and implemented the ceasefire without a single act of force. He said true rationality lies in preserving strength, not offering concessions to the Israeli enemy.
On Lebanon’s upcoming parliamentary elections, Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah is preparing for the upcoming parliamentary vote and called for elections to be held on time in accordance with the current law.
His Eminence concluded by reaffirming that the resistance will remain strong, dignified, and ready for further sacrifices, vowing that the land will ultimately be liberated and that the Israeli occupation and its allies will not achieve their goals.
Source: Al-Manar Website