Speaking during a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Abdullah Safieddine, Hezbollah’s representative in Iran, Ali-Akbar Velayati said the Islamic Republic, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei, would maintain its backing for Hezbollah’s activities on the front line of resistance.

Safieddine briefed Velayati on political and security developments in Lebanon and the wider region, saying Hezbollah was stronger than ever and prepared to defend Lebanon’s territorial integrity and people.

He said the group would not lay down its arms.

Referring to repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire, Safieddine warned that Hezbollah will deliver a crushing response whenever it decides to do so.