TEHRAN – Iranian officials conveyed their congratulations on the election of Sheikh Naim Qassem as Hezbollah’s new leader through formal messages.

The Iranian President expressed congratulations to Naim Qassem in his message, asserting, “I am confident that your leadership, as a distinguished figure and a seasoned fighter, will bolster the resolve in the resistance and continue the noble legacy of the esteemed martyrs of this front.”

Masoud Pezeshkian remarked, “In this critical historical moment, it is of utmost importance to defend Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the noble ideals of the resistance front and the oppressed people of Palestine. Your leadership, as a distinguished figure and a seasoned fighter, will undoubtedly enhance the commitment to resistance and carry forward the honourable path of the martyrs.”

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami, expressed condolences for the martyrdom of late Hezbollah leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, highlighting that the election of Naim Qassem as his successor ensures the unwavering trajectory of the esteemed Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. 

Salami noted, “This election conveys a powerful message to the forces of Global Arrogance and Zionism, affirming that the ideology and principles fostered by the noble sacrifices of martyrs, along with the legacy of historic resistance leaders trained in the teachings of Islam, remain indomitable.”

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, conveyed in his message, “I commend the historic election of Naim Qassem as the secretary-general of Hezbollah during this crucial time, which showcases the strength, readiness, and growing capabilities of the proud resistance front and the heroic Hezbollah of Lebanon to navigate crises and ultimately prevail against the ruthless Zionist enemy.”

Also, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated Sheikh Naim Qassem on his election as secretary-general of Hezbollah Lebanon, expressing confidence, “He will serve as a worthy successor to the esteemed martyr Seyed Hassan Nasrallah.”

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament, also shared his thoughts in a message, “I congratulate the wise choice of your esteemed self, who, thank God, embodies a dedicated and combatant spirit, along with the experience, commitment, and adherence to the principles and objectives of the resistance front and Hezbollah Lebanon.”

The Iranian speaker of Parliament concluded by offering prayers for Sheikh Qassem's continued success during these critical and historic times for the region and the Islamic world, seeking blessings from the Almighty God.

Additionally, in a message honouring the martyrs, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Seyyed Hashem Safieddine, and other Axis of Resistance leaders, the Iran-Lebanon parliamentary friendship group expressed its congratulations to Sheikh Qassem for assuming the leadership of Hezbollah.

The statement of the parliamentary group highlighted Hezbollah's significant role in the historical struggle against occupation and oppression, noting its confrontation with the criminal Zionist regime in defence of the oppressed Palestinian people, particularly the women and children of Gaza, which has come at a considerable cost.

On Tuesday, October 29, Sheikh Naim Qassem was appointed as the new leader of Hezbollah, succeeding Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27.