M10news – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Monday his commitment to supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon, even as Israel intensifies its military actions against the group.
Speaking to reporters during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pezeshkian stated that Tehran would back Hezbollah “or any group that wants to defend its rights.”
Pezeshkian, 69, emphasised Iran’s willingness to disarm, declaring, “We are willing to put all of our weapons aside, so long as Israel is willing to do the same.” He criticised external influences, particularly referencing U.S. military support for Israel, arguing that it creates an imbalance in the region. “We cannot have outside actors come in, arm one side to the teeth, and prevent the other from having the means to defend themselves,” he added.
Israel has launched a series of attacks targeting Hezbollah since September 17, following incidents where pagers associated with the group began exploding in Beirut. This escalation has included airstrikes on prominent Hezbollah leaders and logistical sites, culminating in a significant offensive on Monday that hit 300 targets across Lebanon. The attacks come in response to over 8,000 rockets and missiles fired by Hezbollah into northern Israel since October 8, displacing more than 60,000 Israeli residents, according to IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
Despite vowing to continue support for Hezbollah, Pezeshkian claimed that Iran does not seek to escalate the conflict with Israel. “We want to live in peace,” he said. “We don’t wish to be the cause of instability in the region.” He asserted that a broader war would not benefit anyone globally and accused Israel of attempting to provoke such a conflict.
As Israel prepares for a potential full-scale war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the military actions are a response to ongoing threats, with a recent cabinet decision aiming to ensure the safe return of displaced northern residents. Netanyahu has stated that a political solution will not address the situation.
Addressing allegations made by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines regarding Iranian funding for pro-terror protests on American college campuses, Pezeshkian quipped, “We have a hard time making domestic payroll—how do we make payroll for American students?”
In response to Pezeshkian’s comments, the Israeli Foreign Ministry criticised him on social media, labelling him as “just the latest pawn of the Iranian regime, committed to furthering the Supreme Leader’s agenda of violence and terror.”
