The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, delivered a speech during the Lebanese and international popular gatherings that were held in conjunction with the funeral of the Iranian leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, in which he addressed the latter’s status and the relationship between Hezbollah and Iran, in addition to regional developments and the Lebanese file.
Qassem began his speech by saying that the occasion was “the funeral of Imam Ayatollah Grand Ayatollah, the martyr Leader Khamenei,” considering this funeral to be “a rise, a movement, and a revolution.” He offered condolences on his death, noting that his martyrdom represented “a medal for the Islamic nation and the world” that illuminates the path of future generations.
He described Khamenei as “unique in his time and an exceptional leader,” and said that he is “the guardian of the nation, the deputy of Imam Mahdi, the supreme authority, the owner of the strategic vision, and the builder of the foundations of contemporary Islamic civilization,” considering him “the guide, shepherd, educator, and politician who faced challenges with steadfastness and determination.”
Qassem spoke about the personal relationship he had with the Iranian leader, referring to a letter he received from him on 10/09/2024, 12 days after the martyrdom of the former Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and 6 days after his election as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, in which he said: “I support you to the same extent that I supported our martyr, Sayyed Al-Aziz.”
He explained that this message carried an affirmation of continued support, noting that Khamenei “did not ask the party for anything throughout his leadership period, but rather he always asked what the party wanted, and secured everything it asked for,” adding that the party obtained everything it asked for, as was the case during the era of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
He stressed that Khamenei’s approach will remain present, just as the approach of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah remains, declaring continuation “with the Guardian, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba,” and considering that the current stage is an extension of the path of “the saints and the righteous.”
He pointed out that the crowds that participated in the funeral ceremonies in Iran and Iraq, which he said amounted to tens of millions, reflect the Iranian people’s adherence to their leadership, and he considered that they confirm that the regime in Iran “is the regime of the people, the human being, and the vitality.”
He also saluted the Iranian people, stressing that they would continue to stand by them, and considering that the martyrdom of Khamenei “is the beginning of a revolutionary path with which the features and balances of the region will change.”
Qassem stressed that “the resistance fighters in Lebanon are lovers of martyrdom and guardianship,” and that the resistance masses have made great sacrifices and will continue to do so, noting that Khamenei focused his project on five basic pillars: building the state and society, supporting the resistance, national, Islamic and humanitarian unity, and directing the compass towards the liberation of Palestine, independence and non-dependence.
On the regional front, he considered that the American and Israeli attack on Iran was a “global aggression,” but he saw that Iran emerged from it “more cohesive,” stressing that it has the right to possess power and a peaceful nuclear program and build its international relations.
He added that Iran “defeated America and Israel after they failed to achieve their goals,” thanking Iran’s leadership, government, guards, army, and people, and considering that it gave Hezbollah “strength, support, pride, and the ability to liberate and serve society.”
He said that the ceasefire was achieved as a result of “the resistance’s steadfastness and Iran’s support,” stressing the party’s adherence to this option, calling for “lifting American guardianship over Lebanon,” and accusing the United States of imposing demands on Lebanon that serve Israel.
He also defended Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran, considering it a relationship from which the party benefits, in contrast to his criticism of the relationship with the United States, which he said “humiliates its allies and takes their resources.”
He touched on developments in southern Lebanon, noting that hundreds of violations had occurred since the ceasefire, the most recent of which was the targeting of the principal of Ghandour School, her mother, and two of her companions in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. He wondered about the position of the Lebanese state and its demand that the United States put pressure on Israel, considering that everything that is happening is done by an American decision.
Qassem launched an attack on what he described as the “Framework Agreement,” considering that it “fully serves Israel,” and said that it is “illegitimate, unconstitutional, non-charter, and illegal,” adding that the agreement replaced Israeli withdrawal with the concept of “repositioning,” which means acknowledging that part of Lebanese territory will remain under Israeli control.
He added that the agreement divides the Lebanese and targets the resistance, calling on the Lebanese authority to withdraw from it, considering that “what is built on falsehood is false,” and stressing that any of its provisions “will not pass.”
He also sent a message to the President of the Republic, calling for the adoption of indirect negotiation, and allowing time to study any proposals in consultation with the specialists and concerned parties, citing the experience of Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in the 27-11 agreement, and the Iranian-American negotiations that took more than 40 days.
He stressed that Hezbollah “will not be drawn into strife,” but it “will not allow anyone to attack it,” stressing that the priority is to restore sovereignty and expel Israel, and that any solutions must be discussed among the Lebanese.
He concluded by emphasizing that the solution begins with Israel’s withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River to the border, in addition to stopping the land, air and sea attacks, the release of prisoners, reconstruction, and the return of the people to their villages, while adhering to the path of the Iranian-American understanding, stressing that the party will continue to work to liberate the land, and that “the Israelis will not settle” on Lebanese lands.
