From threats to Gulf regimes to claims of spies infiltrating Hezbollah

In a recent interview, Shaykh Ali al-Asadi, the head of the political council for Iraq’s al-Nujaba Islamic Resistance Movement, outlined key issues in the region. He emphasized that the promotion of rumours about spies within Hezbollah ranks in Lebanon is part of the enemy’s psychological operations. He also highlighted the harms of normalizing relations between Arab nations and Israel.

Shaykh Ali al-Asadi responded to regional developments in an interview with Iraq’s Alsumaria TV network.

Here are the main points of his televised remarks:

The attendance of Shaykh Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of al-Nujaba, at a recent conference in Najaf had two main purposes: first, to honour the legacy of Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah, a key figure in the Islamic Resistance; second, to challenge the enemy with a clear message that al-Nujaba remains resilient and unafraid.

al-Kaabi’s message during his speech, symbolized by his gesture of draping his turban over his shoulder, underscored his resolve to avenge Nasrallah’s martyrdom and continue the fight for Palestinian liberation.

al-Asadi refrained from commenting on the involvement of Iraqi Islamic Resistance forces in Lebanon, noting that such decisions are under military command and are confidential. However, he affirmed that Iraqi Resistance forces are constantly targeting Israeli interests, which is often reflected in official statements from the Iraqi Resistance.

While Israel is at the forefront of this battle, he explained, the dimensions of the ongoing struggle are global.

al-Asadi mentioned that the UN Special Envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, had asked him why Israel suffered such a defeat on October 7. al-Asadi responded, noting her former position as the Dutch Minister of Defence, by highlighting Gaza residents’ deep-rooted beliefs and connection to the land, contrasting them with Israeli settlers from abroad who, according to him, lack similar commitment and unity.

He continued by emphasizing Iran’s unwavering support for Palestine, which Hamas acknowledges, while some Arab regimes defend Israel with their military power. He criticized these Arab governments for failing to condemn the Israeli regime.

The claim of spies within Hezbollah, al-Asadi argued, is merely an aspect of the enemy’s psychological warfare. Although Israel has used sophisticated technology and spy satellites to gather information on Hezbollah, al-Asadi asserted that Hezbollah’s unity remains unshaken, and its military capabilities have only strengthened since Nasrallah’s assassination.

In a warning to the United States, al-Asadi noted that what the United States has witnessed thus far represents only a fraction of the Resistance’s military capabilities. He further dismissed rumours about Syria’s supposed withdrawal from supporting the Resistance’s efforts, clarifying that despite economic and internal challenges, Damascus continues its alliance with the Resistance.

al-Asadi explained that al-Nujaba operates within Iraq’s “Equation of Victory,” which combines the Resistance, the people, and the government. al-Nujaba has granted the Iraqi government time to remove American forces, but al-Kaabi emphasized that this grace period will end if the United States crosses the Resistance’s “red lines,” such as using Iraq as a base for attacks against neighbouring countries or targeting Iraqi leaders.

al-Asadi addressed threats directed at certain Persian Gulf states by Resistance leaders, noting these are due to the harm inflicted on Iraq and Palestine through their normalization of relations with Israel. He stated that if these regimes openly act against the Resistance, al-Nujaba will respond accordingly.