Following fresh threats issued over the weekend by Iran-backed militias, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Monday delivered a forceful speech signaling the group’s readiness to respond if tensions surrounding Iran escalate into open conflict.
Speaking against what he described as an increasingly volatile regional backdrop, Qassem warned that threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei amount to threats against “millions, tens of millions, and even more,” framing them as an attack on the broader constituency that sees Khamenei as its leader.
“This is not something that can be ignored,” he said. “It is the responsibility of all of us to stand against this threat.”
Qassem said Hezbollah is committed to making all necessary preparations to confront such a scenario, arguing that an assassination would destabilize not only the region but the wider world due to the scale of those who identify with Iran’s leadership.
He described the threat as one that also targets Hezbollah directly and said the group has full legitimacy, in its view, to take whatever steps it deems necessary in response.
Addressing speculation over Hezbollah’s role in a potential war involving Iran, Qassem said various parties have recently sought assurances that the group would stay out of any confrontation involving Israel and the United States. He rejected that premise, saying Hezbollah is already part of the equation and exposed to potential aggression.
“We will choose the appropriate timing and the appropriate manner to act, whether through direct intervention or otherwise, according to the circumstances,” Qassem said, while stressing that Hezbollah would not remain neutral. “The precise form will be determined by the nature of the battle and by the interests at stake.”
The remarks followed explicit warnings from other Iran-aligned groups.
On Sunday, the secretary-general of the Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, said his forces were preparing for a “comprehensive war” in defense of Iran and warned that any confrontation “will not be a picnic.” He also said fighters should be ready to mobilize if religious authorities declare jihad.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement added to the tension by releasing a brief threat video captioned “Soon.”
Taken together, the statements point to Iran’s network of allied militias signaling readiness for a wider confrontation, raising the risk of a broader regional conflict.
