Qmati says Hezbollah open to talks with US, studying 'all options' as to Ali al-Taher

Hezbollah Political Council member Mahmoud Qmati announced overnight that the Iran-backed party is not completely closing the door to direct communication with Washington, and that the decision will be made based on interest and the appropriate circumstances.

"The resistance has decided to be patient and give the existing political process a chance, with the aim of achieving complete liberation and the withdrawal of the occupation from Lebanese territory," Qmati said in an interview on al-Manar television.

He emphasized that "the resistance remains strong and capable, and not responding to every attack does not signify weakness or incapacity," stressing that "any Israeli attempt to advance and occupy new territories or positions will be met with a response from the resistance commensurate with the nature of the developments on the ground."

Regarding the issue of the strategic Ali al-Taher heights, he affirmed that "the resistance's current decision is to stand firm and confront the situation, while studying all options related to the location," categorically denying "the presence of any Iranian fighters within the ranks of the resistance in southern Lebanon."

Qmati considered that "linking the liberation of Lebanese territory to the issue of the resistance's weapons constitutes a dangerous path that infringes upon sovereignty and Lebanon's rights," emphasizing that "sanctions and the financial blockade will not push Hezbollah to retreat from the resistance project or abandon it."