Hezbollah welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran but said it will not disarm its fighters [1, 2].
This refusal creates a significant tension point in the regional peace process. While the deal aims to reduce escalation between major powers, Hezbollah's insistence on maintaining its weaponry suggests that local stability in Lebanon remains precarious.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem addressed the agreement from Lebanon [3, 4]. He said the ceasefire is a positive step and a sign of progress in ongoing peace talks [1, 5]. However, the group maintains that its armed wing is essential for its continued existence and political influence.
The group views its military capabilities as necessary leverage within the complex political landscape of the region [1, 5]. By refusing to lay down arms, Hezbollah signals that it will not adhere to disarmament demands that may be implied or requested as part of broader diplomatic frameworks [2, 3].
This stance follows the announcement of the memorandum between the U.S. and Iran in 2024 [5]. The agreement was designed to stabilize volatile corridors and prevent a wider regional conflict, a goal that now faces the reality of a heavily armed non-state actor in Lebanon [5].
Lebanese officials have been involved in drafting replies to U.S. demands regarding the group's status [3]. The internal friction between the Lebanese state's diplomatic obligations and Hezbollah's autonomy continues to define the country's security profile [3].
“Hezbollah welcomed the Iran‑US cease‑fire agreement but said it will not disarm its fighters”
The disconnect between the high-level U.S.-Iran diplomacy and Hezbollah's ground reality indicates that a formal ceasefire between superpowers does not automatically translate to disarmament of proxy forces. Hezbollah's refusal to disarm ensures it remains a primary power broker in Lebanon, potentially limiting the Lebanese government's ability to fully implement international security standards.
