Iran reaffirms its support for Hezbollah and complicates ceasefire efforts in the Middle East

Iran has reaffirmed its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, while simultaneously demanding an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon—a stance that further complicates attempts to negotiate a comprehensive agreement aimed at easing regional tensions. This position comes as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues despite calls for a ceasefire.

In an interview with the Lebanese channel Al Mayadeen, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that ending the conflict in Lebanon must be inseparable from a cessation of hostilities in the region. According to him, no lasting agreement can be reached without a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories.

Tehran is making a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah a prerequisite for any broader agreement with the United States aimed at ending the regional escalation. This objective also includes the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global energy trade.

Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified since March, as part of a regional war also involving Iran and the United States. Hezbollah claims to be acting in support of Tehran, while Israel continues its military operations in southern Lebanon and maintains it has no plans to withdraw.

On the Iranian side, several officials confirmed their military and political support for the Lebanese Shiite movement. Mohsen Rezaei notably stated that Hezbollah had "made great sacrifices" and that Iran remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to its ally.

Furthermore, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a proposed US-mediated truce with the Lebanese government, arguing that it did not include the withdrawal of Israeli forces. In this context, the United Nations is warning of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region, where prolonged fighting raises fears of a worsening food crisis affecting millions of people.