President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s firm anti-Israel stance on Monday. Pezeshkian emphasized that resistance movements throughout the region will continue to oppose what he termed Israel’s “criminal policies” toward the Palestinians. His comments were directed to Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah group, highlighting the enduring alliance between Iran and Hezbollah.
Pezeshkian’s message reinforced Iran’s longstanding support for resistance movements against Israel, which Iran refers to as the “illegitimate Zionist regime.” “The Islamic Republic has always supported the resistance of the people of the region against the illegitimate Zionist regime,” Pezeshkian stated. This declaration signals that despite the leadership change, there will be no significant shift in Iran’s regional policies.
The reaffirmation of Iran’s anti-Israel policy is significant in the context of the broader Middle Eastern geopolitics. Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah has been a cornerstone of its strategy to extend its influence and counterbalance Israeli and Western interests in the region. Pezeshkian’s message to Nasrallah is a clear indication that Iran will continue to back Hezbollah and other similar groups, maintaining its role as a key player in the regional power dynamics.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s election victory over his hardline rival in the recent runoff election marks the beginning of his tenure as Iran’s president. While Pezeshkian is considered relatively moderate compared to his predecessor, his reaffirmation of Iran’s anti-Israel stance suggests that there will be no major deviation from the established policies regarding Israel and support for resistance movements.
Pezeshkian’s recent statements underscore the continuity in Iran’s foreign policy, particularly its stance toward Israel. By reaffirming support for resistance movements in the region, Pezeshkian has signaled that his administration will maintain the same strategic alliances and opposition to Israeli policies. This continuity is likely to have significant implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Middle East.
