TEHRAN – Iran’s President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian who won the July 5 presidential elections has addressed Hezbollah’s secretary-general in a letter, reiterating Iran’s support for Resistance forces in the region. 

In the letter released on Monday, Pezeshikian thanked Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah for his earlier congratulatory message, stating that Iran will continue to support the Axis of Resistance like it always has.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported the resistance of the people in the region against the illegitimate Zionist regime. The support for resistance is rooted in the fundamental policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the ideals of Imam Khomeini, and the guidance of the esteemed Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and will continue with strength,” he wrote. 

Pezeshkian said he is confident in the capabilities of the Resistance in countering the Israeli regime.  “I am confident that the resistance movements in the region will not allow this regime to continue its warmongering and criminal policies against the oppressed people of Palestine and other nations in the region.” 

The president-elect concluded his remarks by wishing for the happiness and progress of the people of Lebanon, as well as God’s assistance for Resistance fighters across the region.

Pezeshkian's letter to Nasrallah arrives amidst the backdrop of impending Israeli threats to invade Lebanon. The regime is pressuring Hezbollah forces and the Lebanese people in southern Lebanon to move at least 10 kilometers away from the border with the occupied territories. The demand comes in response to Hezbollah's ongoing support for Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has seen the resistance group launch attacks on Israeli military positions over the past nine months.

However, Hezbollah has refused this demand, saying it will not vacate the border area, nor will it cease its attack against Israel until the regime’s brutal war in Gaza comes to an end. 

In recent weeks, multiple Iranian officials have stated that Tehran will support Hezbollah in every way possible if the regime decides to initiate an attack on the Arab country. Warnings were issued by advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Kamal Kharazi, as well as high-ranking Army and IRGC officials. 

Certain analysts in Israel and Zionist circles in the West had hoped that a reformist candidate's win in Iran's recent snap presidential elections could result in reduced backing for Resistance groups. This optimism stemmed from leaked documents and audio recordings revealing past statements by some reformist figures suggesting that Iran should lessen its support for Resistance forces to smooth the path toward reconciliation with Washington.

Pezeshkian’s letter to Hezbollah’s chief dashed those hopes, as the incoming president appears to be maintaining his earlier stance that Iran's backing of the Resistance is essential and advantageous.