According to an IRNA News Agency report of Tuesday 3 of February 2026, Hezbollah’s secretary general, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has said that Iran possesses the capacity to defeat both the United States (US) and Israel in any potential confrontation, as tensions in the Middle East intensify, following Washington’s deployment of additional warships to the region.
Speaking on Tuesday during a ceremony marking the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, Sheikh Qassem praised Iran’s political, and described the country as a central force in regional resistance against Western and Israeli influence. His remarks came against the backdrop of heightened military alert across several fronts, including Lebanon, the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.
He congratulated the Iranian people, government and supreme leader on the anniversary of the revolution which brought the Islamic Republic to power more than four decades ago. He portrayed Iran as resilient in the face of external pressure, sanctions and military threats.
“Iran is the crown jewel of the world. It will endure and can defeat the United States and Israel in the confrontation currently underway, because anyone who stands with Almighty God is bound to be victorious,” he said.
The Hezbollah leader framed the current tensions as part of a broader struggle involving Iran and its regional allies, arguing that military deployments by the US would not alter the balance of power. He did not specify what form a confrontation might take but suggested that Iran’s strength extended beyond conventional military capabilities.
Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Sheikh Qassem said that Beirut was no longer obligated to fully adhere to the provisions of last year’s ceasefire agreement with Israel. He accused Israel of repeatedly violating the terms of the deal, and said that international mechanisms had failed to ensure compliance.
He added that responsibility lay with the five-member monitoring committee established under the ceasefire arrangement which includes international representatives. According to him, the committee should focus on holding Israel accountable rather than placing demands on Lebanon.
Sheikh Qassem’s comments come as cross-border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continue, with sporadic exchanges of fire and warnings from both sides. Lebanese officials have repeatedly said that they remain committed to stability but have criticized what they describe as ongoing Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace and territory.
The US, for its part, has said that its increased naval presence in the region is intended to deter escalation and protect international shipping routes. However, statements from groups aligned with Iran suggest that the show of force has instead reinforced their resolve. See_More…