The Lebanese armed group has not taken action against Israel or American assets since attacks on Iran began on Saturday.
Published March 2, 2026
The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has pledged to do its duty to “confront aggression” after Israeli and US strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a statement on Sunday, the Iran-aligned group offered its condolences for Khamenei, who was killed along with other Iranian leaders in a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran early Saturday.
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“That the criminal American and Zionist (Israeli) aggression targeted our guardian, our leader, the leader of the Nation, Imam Khamenei (may his soul be hallowed), along with a group of leaders, officials and innocent children of the Iranian people, represents the height of criminality,” the group said.
“We will fulfill our duty to confront aggression, trusting in the victory, guidance and support of Allah… No matter how great the sacrifices, we will not abandon the field of honor and resistance, nor the confrontation against American tyranny and Zionist criminality, in defense of our land, our dignity and our independent decisions,” he added.
So far, Hezbollah, which operates as a largely independent armed force inside Lebanon, has not taken action against Israel or American assets since the attacks began on Saturday.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Sunday that “the decision of war and peace corresponds solely to the Lebanese State,” following an emergency meeting of the country’s Higher Defense Council.
On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he would not accept anyone “dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.”
“In light of the serious events unfolding in the region, I once again call on all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the interests of the Lebanese people above all other considerations,” Salam said in a statement sent to the Reuters news agency.
Lebanon continues its attempts to recover after a year-long war between Hezbollah and Israel that ended after the November 2024 ceasefire. However, Israel has continued to attack Lebanon in violation of the agreement and has maintained several military posts within Lebanese territory.
Thousands cry in Beirut
On Sunday, Hezbollah organized a gathering of thousands of supporters in the capital, Beirut, to mourn Khamenei, while chanting: “Death to America, death to Israel.”
Zainab al-Moussawi, a 23-year-old teacher, told the AFP news agency that Khamenei’s death was “very painful. It’s a tragedy.”
“It felt like Sayyed’s martyrdom,” he added, referring to Israel’s assassination of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in 2024.
Hezbollah also called on mosques to recite the Quran and organize other mourning ceremonies in different parts of the country where the group has influence to commemorate Khamenei’s death.
