Mojtaba Khamenei backs Hezbollah, ties US-Iran peace to Lebanon ceasefire

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said Tehran considers the defence of Lebanon's Hezbollah fighters a “strategic mandate” and called for the “absolute, unconditional termination” of Israeli aggression against Lebanon as a condition for any agreement to end the war with the US.In a post on X, Khamenei responded to a letter of allegiance from Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem and the group's fighters, praising their “patience, nobility and self-sacrifice” and describing Hezbollah as an “unyielding rock” at the forefront of resistance against Israel.“There remains no path forward except jihad and resistance,” Khamenei said, arguing that continued resistance would ultimately bring what he described as divine victory to those fighting for the cause of truth. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on X Khamenei said the Islamic Republic of Iran viewed the protection of Hezbollah and Lebanon's territorial integrity as a strategic responsibility. He added that any agreement to end the “imposed war” against the US must include an end to Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on X The Iranian leader also praised the people of southern Lebanon for their patience and support, and paid tribute to slain Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah and other commanders of the resistance.Khamenei said the fighters had elevated Hezbollah from a “sapling” into a “mighty tree” and brought honour to Lebanon across the Islamic world.His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region and underline Tehran's continued political and ideological support for Hezbollah. The statement also signals that Iran is linking any broader settlement to the cessation of Israeli military action against Lebanon and the preservation of Lebanese territorial integrity.Earlier, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US President Donald Trump that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory was essential to consolidating stability and allowing the Lebanese state to extend its authority.During their first meeting, Aoun and Trump discussed plans to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah and secure Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. They also discussed US support for the Lebanese army, reconstruction efforts, economic recovery and American investment in Lebanon.- EndsPublished By: Zafar ZaidiPublished On: Jul 27, 2026 05:06 IST