Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem on Saturday issued a strong call for a global movement to confront the growing US interference in the affairs of sovereign nations.

In a televised speech, on the occasion of Al-Mab'ath , he stressed that “It is time to stop the Americans,” accusing the United States, and specifically US President Donald Trump, of seeking to dominate global affairs by suppressing democratic systems, religious freedoms, and national sovereignty.

"There is a greedy mind trying to exploit power and violate the rights of people and countries," he added.

Turning to regional developments, Sheikh Qassem praised the Islamic Republic of Iran for its resilience in the face of what he described as decades of US-led efforts to undermine the country. "They have tried to weaken Iran for over 46 years, and the recent riots were another attempt to change the balance of resistance," he said.

"Iran will remain a fortress of resistance," he added, commending the Iranian people and their "wise and guided leadership" for successfully thwarting these destabilization efforts.

Lebanon’s security, resistance, and national defense

On the domestic front, Sheikh Qassem affirmed that resistance is essential to Lebanese sovereignty and stability, saying: “If the resistance and its environment are not safe, then Lebanon will not be safe." 

He stressed that “liberation is the cornerstone of state-building,” adding that any discussion of a monopoly on arms should come only after full sovereignty over Lebanese territory is secured.

“The Resistance's weapons are a purely Lebanese matter, as is Resolution 1701,” he stated, rejecting any external interference, particularly from “Israel,” which he accused of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement.

“Who can guarantee that ‘Israel’ will not violate our country if the Resistance hands over its weapons?” he asked, adding that the state's monopoly on arms cannot be imposed while Lebanon remains under the “Israeli umbrella,” and rejecting any notion of surrender in the face of continued aggression.

Responding to criticism of the Resistance, Sheikh Qassem said, “What did the resistance do? It liberated the land.” He stressed that this achievement includes all factions of the Resistance, which he described as “among the most honorable and rational in the world.”

“When we defend our people, we are defending our homeland,” he added, praising the sacrifices made by the Lebanese people in the pursuit of dignity and sovereignty.

Criticism of Lebanese leadership and foreign policy

Addressing local politics, Sheikh Qassem condemned recent remarks made by the Lebanese Foreign Minister, accusing him of “inciting civil war.”  This is not just against the Resistance, it’s against Lebanon and its people,” he warned.

He further criticized certain ministers for implementing US sanctions, accusing them of belonging to a group “subservient to American guardianship.”

Holding the government accountable, Sheikh Qassem said: “The state must resolve this issue known as the minister of foreign affairs, either by replacing him or by silencing him.”

Continued aggression and the question of sovereignty

Commenting on the ongoing Israeli aggression, Sheikh Qassem said Lebanon has experienced “zero national sovereignty” for the past 13 months, blaming the government for failing to respond effectively.

He argued that any discussion of limiting the resistance’s capabilities is part of an “Israeli-American agenda” aimed at encircling and weakening the resistance.

“The Lebanese state has implemented the ceasefire, while ‘Israel’ has done nothing,” he said, condemning the continued attacks on civilians and property. He warned that “aggression cannot continue unchecked; everything has a limit.”

Sheikh Qassem concluded by reiterating that Lebanon’s stability depends on resistance, unity, and the pursuit of full sovereignty. “In this new phase after the first battle, the state is responsible for the security of Lebanon and its people,” he said, adding: “With unity and determination, ‘Israel’ will not remain in southern Lebanon, regardless of the scale of its aggression.”

Source:Websites