Tehran, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a firm rebuttal to assertions that Hezbollah has been diminished, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared that the "resistance movement" is more vibrant than ever, as reported by local media on Wednesday.

During an online event titled 'Majaray-e Jang', meaning 'The Story of War', Qalibaf emphasized that despite recent challenges faced by Hezbollah, including the tragic demise of its former Secretary General Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, the movement remains "strong and united", according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

He questioned the U.S. administration's concerns regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah, suggesting that such worries are unwarranted if the group has indeed been vanquished. Qalibaf referred to the recent Al-Aqsa Flood Operation carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, labeling it a legitimate act of resistance and asserting its strategic validity.

He clarified that the operation was initiated by Hamas without prior notice to Iran or Hezbollah, a position echoed by both the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the late Nasrallah.

Qalibaf underscored Iran's role as a supportive ally rather than a commanding authority, stating, "We do not interfere in the decision-making of Hezbollah and Hamas. They make their own decisions based on their political and operational circumstances, but we support their decisions in line with the defense of their land and Islamic ideals." This support is viewed as essential for Iran’s own national security and interests.

According to Qalibaf, reported by Tasnim News Agency, the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation was a strategic necessity, asserting, "There was no mistake in the strategy of October 7. The legitimacy and righteousness of the resistance always remain intact."

Earlier in August, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office indicated that Israel is “ready to support” Lebanon in disarming Hezbollah and implementing a gradual reduction of its military presence in the region as a "reciprocal measure", according to The Times of Israel.

The statement outlined that Israel would undertake reciprocal actions, including a phased reduction of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) presence, in coordination with a U.S.-led security mechanism, should the Lebanese Armed Forces take necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah. Moreover, Israel reiterated its readiness to collaborate with Lebanon towards a more secure and stable future for both countries.