Hezbollah has rejected a US claim that the Lebanese group operates under the control of Iran’s Quds Force, an affiliate of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, after Washington announced new sanctions and updated its designation of the group.
– In a statement, Hezbollah said the claim was being used to justify what it described as another step in a longstanding US policy of targeting the group, its supporters and its financial networks.
– The group accused Washington of using sanctions to exert pressure on Lebanon and said the measures were aimed at weakening the country while protecting Israel.
– Hezbollah acknowledged its close relationship with Tehran, saying: “Our close and fraternal relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran is one that we cherish and are proud of,” while insisting that it did not need Washington to attest to its Lebanese identity.
– It accused the US of lacking the “moral or legal standing” to determine the legitimacy or national identity of other groups and countries.
– Hezbollah said US sanctions and designations would not change its position, adding that they “will not deter us from adhering to the choice of resistance” or what it described as Lebanon’s right to defend its territory, sovereignty and resources.
– The statement responds to US sanctions announced on Thursday, which updated Hezbollah’s designation to emphasise Washington’s assertion that it serves Iran under the Quds Force’s command.
https://aje.news/dnsk6k?update=4872122