TEHRAN -- Chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hussein Salami on Sunday said the stage is set for the “collapse” of the occupying regime of Israel in a next war.
In a meeting with Hezbollah deputy head Sheikh Naim Qassem here, the IRGC chief said Hezbollah is not just a military force, but it enjoys a high status among all the Lebanese people as the nation’s main supporter.
The resistance group brings about honor to Lebanon and guarantees the security of its people, he said.
“Since Hezbollah was born and raised in the field of jihad (endeavor for the sake of God), the Zionist enemy has been well aware of the scope and depth of its power,” he said.
Salami said the power of the resistance front is increasing by the day while that of the enemy is declining.
On Wednesday, the occupying regime of Israel struck an area in southern Lebanon in response to alleged rocket fire towards the occupied lands.
Two days later, Hezbollah units hit “open fields” near Israeli positions, using “dozens” of 122mm-caliber rockets. Israeli media said that Hezbollah’s retaliatory rocket attack sent settlers in the occupied Golan Heights and Galilee scrambling to shelters.
Salami said, “Hezbollah’s recent epic move to stop the Zionist army showed the fake regime’s new prime minister that equations are set elsewhere and that nothing has changed.”
“The Zionists have clearly realized that if Hezbollah’s engine is turned on, they will have to flee the occupied territories.”
Salami said the rise in the exodus of Zionists from the occupied territories has turned into a psychological crisis for the regime.
“This situation will lead to the collapse of the Zionist regime,” he said. “Now, the stage is set for such collapse. The conditions on the ground coupled with a blunder by the Zionists will be enough to turn the next war into the war of their death.”
The IRGC chief stressed the continued support of the Islamic Revolution and the Iranian nation for the Lebanese resistance and hailed the

role played by top anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani to strengthen the resistance front.
Sheikh Qassem, for his part, appreciated the backing of the Iranian nation, especially the IRGC, for Lebanon’s Islamic resistance.
“Hezbollah and the Lebanese people owe their achievements and success to the support of the Islamic Republic and the sacrifices of the martyrs and resistance fighters, especially Martyr Soleimani, who considered himself a Hezbollah member,” he said.
Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah’s popularity in Lebanon has caused “despair and concern” among the enemies.
“Despite some problems and the efforts of the enemies to impose sanctions and exert pressure on Lebanon and destroy the security of its people, we have been able to maintain our position.”

Support for Hashd al-Sha’abi

Gen. Salami separately said the IRGC stands by Iraq’s anti-terror force Hashd al-Sha’abi in its battle against foreign occupation.
During a meeting with Hashd al-Sha’abi chariman Falih al-Fayyadh here Sunday, Gen. Salami hailed the resistance group for playing a strategic role in the victory of the Iraqi nation over the Daesh terrorist group and maintaining the country’s security and stability.
“Real political powers are the field powers and Hashd al-Sha’abi is extraordinary in this regard and God willing, its power will expand as a defense force on the back of great ideals, strong faith, internal unity and high discipline,” he said.
Salami also described the bond of the resistance and Hashd al-Sha’abi with the people as key to their success.
“You and all of us must be vigilant so that people won’t be affected by the psychological warfare waged by the enemy. Although you have put behind the difficult stages of the struggle, you should never neglect the enemy’s tricks,” he said.
“An important part of what we are now calling America’s decline on the world stage took place in Iraq. It means that the resistance that was formed in that country has weakened and worn out the Americans, and by raising their costs, it has made them choose between two evils: staying and incurring damage, or leaving and conceding defeat,” he explained.
The IRGC chief further stressed that the bond between the IRGC and Hashd al-Sha’abi is rooted in the holy religion of Islam, regardless of geographical borders.
“We are your supporters in the resistance front and the continuation of this great battle. We hope that the Iraqi parliamentary resolution on the withdrawal of American troops from the country will be materialized in practice and that an independent, sovereign and secure Iraq will continue on its path in the absence of occupiers.”
Fayyadh appreciated the support of the Iranian nation and the IRGC for the Iraqi people and Hashd al-Sha’abi.
“Martyr Soleimani was the one who inspired Hashd al-Sha’abi. Today, Hashd al-Sha’abi owes its existence to General Soleimani and the endeavors of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, both of whom sacrificed their lives,” he said. “No power or country -- that is a friend of Iraq -- can be hostile to Hashd al-Sha’abi.”