Leader of Lebanon's Kataeb Party to Al-Siyasa: Gulf states suffer Iran's treachery, and this cannot continue
Jumblatt warns against letting Tehran hold the region hostage and stresses that the US and Europe must counter its threats to neighbors
The situation is extremely delicate, and Europe must set aside its differences with Trump and prevent Iran from controlling the Strait of Hormuz and threatening the Gulf and the global economy.
Our only battle in Lebanon is to stand by the legitimate government, and for the first time, we have a sovereign authority with full decision-making power. Hezbollah must stop dragging us into wars.
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Kuwait has never faltered in standing by Lebanon and its people... and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have provided us with all the support.
Hezbollah takes orders from external actors and undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty; it cannot continue this policy... and when we criticize it, we are not targeting our Shia compatriots.
Beirut – “Al-Siyasa” – Omar Al-Bardan
In his assessment of developments in Lebanon and the region, Sami Gemayel, leader of the Kataeb Party and MP, describes the situation as “extremely delicate” and shrouded in ambiguity, given that “it is difficult for us to predict what US President Donald Trump will do, particularly in the Gulf region.” In an interview with “Al-Siyasa” at the Kataeb Party’s central headquarters, MP Gemayel expressed surprise that “the Iranian regime remains steadfast in its threats and support for its proxies, despite all the pressure it has faced.” He pointed out that “Europe must set aside its disputes with President Trump and seek the common interest in preventing Iran from controlling the Strait of Hormuz and threatening Gulf states. This is no longer acceptable, and it is imperative to put an end to it. Gulf states have suffered greatly from the Iranian regime’s aggression, which attempts to blackmail regional countries by all means, a practice that cannot be tolerated.”
While praising “the substantial support provided by Gulf Cooperation Council countries to Lebanon, particularly by Kuwait, which has never failed to stand by Lebanon and its people,” Gemayel emphasized that “the Gulf has chosen modernization, development, tolerance, and the prevention of religious extremism. Therefore, this choice for peace must be supported and protected to avoid the emergence of Sunni sectarian and confessional militancy in response to similar Shia militancy.” He stated that “it is in the interest of the US and Europe to prevent Iran from threatening its neighbors and the global economy.”
He added: “It is inconceivable that the US would allow the Gulf to be held hostage by the Iranian regime’s current expansionist policy, which poses a major threat to global security.” He continued: “Yes... it is clear that Europeans, out of spite for the US President, do not hesitate to criticize his war on Iran. This imposes on the United States not to allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz or harm Gulf states.” The Kataeb Party leader, in his warning, asked about what is happening behind the scenes, especially given the continued presence of US aircraft carriers and warships in Gulf waters.
In his assessment of current developments, MP Jamil described the situation by stating that “the entire world has become hostage to President Trump’s decisions. No one is able to predict what he will do. Consequently, everyone is in a state of disorientation and anticipation, unable to plan. Events are unfolding rapidly amid accelerating developments in the Gulf, which will undoubtedly have repercussions on Lebanon’s domestic situation.” He emphasized that “there is heightened anticipation regarding regional developments in relation to Lebanon’s situation, particularly concerning what President Trump will do. Will Iran continue its threats against Gulf states, or will it moderate its behavior? Accordingly, what are the foundations of any potential agreement between the United States and Iran? The outcome of Washington’s dealings with Tehran will inevitably impact conditions in Lebanon.” He added that “an Iranian hegemony over the Gulf region, if it were to occur, would mean Chinese dominance in the area at the expense of the Americans.”
Regarding the Lebanese file, the leader of the Kataeb Party affirmed that “our sole struggle is to stand by legitimacy,” adding, “Our principles are clear: we support Presidents Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, who are acting with great patriotism and wisdom.” He continued, “For the first time, we have a political authority that is master of its own decisions, and therefore we must support and back it.” He stressed that “all matters related to the liberation of the land must be led exclusively by the state, not by any other party.” He stated, “For this reason, we support the Washington negotiation track. We must back this path and stand with the state.” MP Jamil further emphasized that “Presidents Aoun and Salam are working under the most difficult circumstances to rectify the missteps that Hezbollah has caused us, dragging the country into three wars driven by agendas unrelated to Lebanon. Three proxy wars have brought calamities upon the Lebanese people. Therefore, the least Hezbollah should do after what it has done is to remain silent. From this perspective, we will continue to support the Presidency and the government in their steps to consolidate the foundations of authority and the rule of law, and to activate, develop, and strengthen state institutions.”
MP Jamil observed that “Hezbollah cannot continue with this policy, as it follows external orders and undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty. When we object to this party’s policy, we are not targeting the noble Shia community. Had Hezbollah been Christian, Sunni, or Druze, we would have done the same and objected to its policy, which has led Lebanon to the brink of disaster, with all its tragedies and calamities, leaving behind victims and destruction beyond all expectations.” Calling for the formation of a political coalition to support Lebanese legitimacy, he confirmed efforts to activate communications toward that end, asserting that “Hezbollah cannot repeat the events of May 7, as current conditions differ from those of the past. There is now a president, a government, and a strong army capable of confronting any attempt to disrupt national cohesion.” He stated that the remarks he heard from Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani regarding Lebanon were reassuring, adding, “We do not wish to judge intentions. We have sensed a new approach among Syrian officials toward dealing with Lebanon, treating it as a state-to-state relationship, closing the chapter on the past and its negatives for the benefit of both countries and enhancing their future relations. This is precisely what we have been calling for.”
