On the line with those trapped in the tunnels? Qalibaf reveals: "I am in direct contact with Hezbollah terrorists on the front"
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf admits to maintaining direct contact with Hezbollah operatives on the front lines in Lebanon. The statement comes despite Lebanese efforts to curb Iranian influence, amid ongoing clashes in the Ali-Taher area.
Against the backdrop of the escalation in the Ali-Taher sector in southern Lebanon and the operation against trapped terrorists, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf admitted over the weekend that he continues to communicate directly with Hezbollah terrorists located on the "front lines." The statement, quoted by the "Al-Arabiya" network, comes at a sensitive time as the Lebanese government attempts to strengthen its fragile sovereignty, centralize war and peace decisions, and limit the independent military power of the terrorist organization. Earlier today, it was reported that Iran threatened to join the campaign in Lebanon if the terrorists trapped in Ali-Taher are attacked.
During a meeting with Iranian intellectuals on Saturday, Qalibaf revealed his deep, long-standing involvement in the affairs of the "Land of the Cedars":
"I have been involved in issues related to Lebanon since 1985. I had a close friendship and a tight relationship with every shahid from Lebanon, and even today I maintain direct contact with the fighters on the front lines," he boasted, referring to Hezbollah operatives.
According to reports from Iranian news agencies "Tasnim" and "Mehr," Qalibaf also addressed international pressure on Tehran. He claimed that the United States demanded Iran abandon its nuclear and missile programs, withdraw from the "resistance front," and relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a preliminary 15-point draft agreement.
The senior official's remarks are expected to exacerbate tensions between Beirut and Tehran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has previously spoken out sharply against Iranian interference. In an interview with CNN last June, Aoun stated: "This is not your country, this is our country. Our duty is to manage it, and your role is not to interfere." Aoun accused the Ayatollah regime of cynically using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the US.
Meanwhile, the internal rift between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah continues to deepen. While the Lebanese government, as confirmed by Information Minister Paul Morcos, adheres to a diplomatic path mediated by the US, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the framework agreement yesterday, calling it an "invention that serves Israel's goals." The organization strictly refuses direct negotiations or disarmament.
Heavy fighting in southern Lebanon continues unabated. Battles have been taking place in the Ali-Taher area, where several dozen Hezbollah terrorists are trapped in tunnels built with Iranian support. Seven deaths have been reported on the Lebanese side. The IDF Spokesperson confirmed that intensive strikes were carried out following an attack on Israeli forces:
"The IDF struck infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Nabatieh and Ansar areas in southern Lebanon during the night. The strikes were carried out following an action by Hezbollah against our forces in the Ali-Taher ridge area, which is located within the security zone where IDF forces are operating. The IDF will not allow the Hezbollah terrorist organization to harm the citizens of the State of Israel and its forces, and will continue to act to remove threats."
