Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri made the remarks on Wednesday, commenting on Sheikh Qassem’s appointment as Hezbollah’s new secretary-general that took place a day ago.
“The election of Sheikh Naim Qassem will play a role in reinforcing the strength and will of Hezbollah in confronting its enemies,” Baqeri said.
“This historic choice at this sensitive time embodies the strength of the steadfast front of the resistance and its high readiness and confirms the readiness of the brave Lebanese Hezbollah to overcome the challenges and inevitably defeat the bloodthirsty Zionist enemy,” he added.
The official hailed Sheikh Qassem as “the righteous and valiant successor of the ‘Master of the Martyrs of the Resistance,’” referring to the movement’s former leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred during intense Israeli airstrikes against the Lebanese capital Beirut in late September.
“The Islamic nation and the faithful fighters on the path to liberating the holy city of al-Quds trust that Sheikh Qassem will lead the powerful Hezbollah with all firmness and steadfastness and remain a source of glory and pride for the great resistance front, especially for dear Lebanon.”
The remarks echoed those made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who earlier welcomed Sheikh Qassem’s appointment, describing the development as “a new chapter” in the steadfast life of Lebanon’s Islamic resistance in its struggle against the terrorist Zionist regime.
"Under your leadership, the blessed tree of resistance in Lebanon will grow stronger and more fruitful than ever," the top diplomat said.
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