In remarks carried by state-affiliated media, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sent a message on Thursday to Hezbollah affirming Tehran’s willingness to face external threats.
Velayati addressed the message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem following the death of Abdul Karim Nasrallah, father of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. In the statement, Velayati said Iran, which he described as “the backbone of the resistance,” is fully prepared to confront any pressure from Washington and Tel Aviv, while stressing that Tehran has no intention of initiating conflict.
He added that Iran remains confident in what he called the eventual victory of the “resistance front.”
Iranian Army: All Defense Systems Upgraded
Separately, Iranian military officials said the country’s armed forces are on full alert.
Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said all defensive systems have been upgraded and confirmed the integration of 1,000 strategic drones into Iran’s combat structure, describing the move as evidence of the military’s complete preparedness.
“We have always said we are ready for any scenario the enemy may choose,” Akraminia said, adding that Iran is prepared for both diplomacy and war.
He also warned that any conflict would not remain contained, saying it would extend across the wider region and could involve U.S. bases from Israel to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
He also directly addressed President Donald Trump, saying Washington must choose between reconciliation and war, adding that Iranian officials have made clear the armed forces are prepared for either path.
Regional Context
The statements come as diplomatic tensions intensify between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence, with talks tentatively scheduled in Oman later this week.
Lebanon, meanwhile, is closely monitoring developments amid fears that any breakdown in diplomacy could spill over into neighboring arenas, where Iran-backed groups maintain a significant presence.
Security analysts warn that Iran’s latest messaging, combining military signaling with political outreach to allies, reflects a broader strategy of deterrence as the region braces for possible fallout from stalled negotiations and escalating rhetoric.
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