TEHRAN – Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has condemned the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, calling it an act of desperation by a regime facing imminent collapse.

Addressing a parliamentary meeting on Sunday, Qalibaf stated that the Zionist regime's campaign of terror against resistance commanders is a clear indication of its strategic failures and dwindling power. 

He lamented the martyrdom of Nasrallah, a revered and influential figure in the resistance front, and drew parallels to the assassination of Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani. Qalibaf emphasized that the Zionist regime's existence is at risk due to its repeated defeats and that its current resort to terrorism and psychological warfare is a last-ditch attempt to salvage its waning influence. 

The Iranian speaker accused Israel of engaging in a "complicated hybrid war" after failing to achieve its objectives on the battlefield. He highlighted that the assassination of Nasrallah is part of a wider strategy to compensate for Israel's strategic losses by eliminating key figures in the Resistance. 

On Friday, devastating Israeli airstrikes on a number of residential buildings in a densely populated area in southern Beirut claimed the life of Hezbollah’s longtime leader as well as a high-ranking IRGC commander. 

After the parliamentary session, Qalibaf held a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri, offering his condolences over the martyrdom of Nasrallah. Qalibaf described the Resistance leader as a "great scholar and an influential commander" whose loss is felt profoundly across the Islamic world.

Qalibaf emphasized that Nasrallah was not only a respected figure among Shiites but also held in high regard by free people globally. He condemned the recent airstrikes by the Zionist regime on Lebanon, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, and called for a robust response to create deterrence against future violations.

"The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is a significant loss for Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the Islamic world," Qalibaf stated. He reiterated Iran's unwavering support for Lebanon, pledging assistance in light of the increasing challenges faced by the Lebanese people and war refugees.

Berri reciprocated Qalibaf’s sentiments, expressing that Nasrallah's passing has plunged all of Lebanon into mourning. He characterized Nasrallah as an important figure in West Asia, respected even by those who did not support him politically. "His absence is as impactful as his presence," Berri remarked.

Both leaders underscored the necessity of unity among Lebanon’s diverse political and religious factions during this critical period. Berri highlighted that despite ongoing challenges, the Resistance against Zionism remains steadfast, asserting that Lebanon will not succumb to occupation.