Ali Larijani, advisor to Iranian Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei, at a press conference in Beirut, Nov.15, 2024. (Credit: Thaier al-Sudani/Reuters)
In a series of videos released on Ali Khamenei’s website, Ali Larijani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, declared that should Hezbollah utilize “its most important equipment,” not yet revealed, the situation “could change entirely.”
Quoted by Reuters, he added that Iran is preparing to “respond” to the latest Israeli attack on its territory on Oct. 26. “Military officials are exploring various options for such a response, which requires precision and confidentiality,” he added.
On Oct. 26, Israeli warplanes carried out three waves of strikes against Iranian military targets, just weeks after Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Iran has already pledged to respond to Israeli attacks, despite this declaration coming as Iranian officials in recent weeks have indicated their willingness to “postpone” reprisals against Israel following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 6.
Hezbollah fighters’ ‘high morale’
In the interview, Larijani stated that “Hezbollah's capabilities are unmatched compared to their state during the July 2006 war.” Since that war with Israel, the party has gained “experience and resources.” “They have not yet deployed their most important equipment, and if they do, the situation could change entirely,” the Supreme Leader’s adviser added, noting that the party "manufactures its own weapons.”
“Perhaps the Israelis have realized this, which is why they are seeking a cease-fire sooner than expected,” he suggested. Larijani did not disclose specifics about the armaments Hezbollah might still deploy, following the group's announcement over the weekend of their first use of winged cruise missiles.
Commenting on the current hostilities, particularly in southern Lebanon where the party's combatants are working to withstand Israeli ground offensives, Larijani stressed the fighters' “high morale.” “They are optimistic about the future and resolute,” he assured, emphasizing that after the death of their leader Hassan Nasrallah, the fighters have “united around a common commitment: To defend Lebanon until their last breath.”
He added that despite the Sept. 17 bombings and the loss of their leader — which were seen as “setbacks” and led Israelis to believe “Hezbollah was finished” — the situation “quickly evolved,” and the “resistance found new strength.” He stated that “excluding Hezbollah from the political equation” in Lebanon “is not an option” in this context.
Mikati and Berry seek to ‘safeguard Lebanon’s interests’
On the current cease-fire negotiations, the Iranian adviser mentioned that during his visit to Beirut, the parliament speaker — who is heading the talks — “briefed him on the progress of the discussions and appeared optimistic.” “We also support a cease-fire. However, we do not intervene in the details, which are being carefully examined by Lebanese authorities, including Nabih Berri and Hezbollah,” he emphasized.
“Regardless of the decision taken, Iran stands by the Lebanese government,” he added, stating that “Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati are genuinely committed to safeguarding Lebanon’s interests.”
Larijani also referenced the Israeli strike that targeted the outskirts of Beirut’s international airport upon his arrival on Nov. 15, questioning the “message” the Israelis intended to convey. “Does this imply that you can utilize airspace to attack wherever and whenever you choose? We were already aware of that,” he said ironically.
Furthermore, he commented on the allegations of controversy surrounding his passage through Beirut’s airport, where it was claimed he declined security checks. “We didn't even see the terminal, no one saw us — we went straight to the meeting, to which we were already late,” he said.
This article was translated from L'Orient-Le Jour.
