Iranian Parliament Speaker Confirms Direct Contact with Hezbollah Fighters on Lebanon Front

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, revealed that he maintains direct and ongoing communication with Hezbollah operatives stationed on the front lines in Lebanon. Speaking at a meeting with intellectuals in Iran, Qalibaf stated he has been involved in the Lebanese arena since 1985 and is personally acquainted with many of the organization's commanders and fighters. "I know these young men individually," he said, "and even now I am in direct contact with them on the front line."

Regarding relations with the United States, Qalibaf claimed that the "Resistance Front" was prioritized in an official memorandum of understanding with Washington aimed at reinforcing Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial unity. He noted that although former U.S. President Donald Trump initially demanded sidelining four key issues, missiles, resistance, nuclear, and Tiran Strait, he ultimately signed a document recognizing the legitimacy of proxy groups.

This statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following rocket attacks on Israel on March 2, which were in response to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during an American-Israeli offensive against Iran. Despite a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran and a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel signed two months later, border hostilities have subsided but conflicts, attacks, and village destruction continue. Hezbollah refuses direct negotiations or disarmament.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Joseph Aoun recently described Hezbollah as "Iranian in essence," refusing to separate its political and military wings until it disarms. Aoun has also sharply criticized Iranian interference, telling CNN in June, "This is not your country, it is ours. Our duty is to manage it, and your role is not to interfere." He accused the Iranian regime of cynically using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S.

Qalibaf's remarks are expected to further escalate the already growing tensions between Beirut and Tehran.