Logo Wide

Jumblatt Hits Out at Iran in Yemen, Hezbollah in Syria

Lebanese Druze leader denounces Hezbollah's support for the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran's backing of Yemeni Houthis
Jumblatt Hits Out at Iran in Yemen, Hezbollah in Syria

Head of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party Walid Jumblatt has strongly criticized Hezbollah and the Iranian regime in an interview published by an-Nahar.

Speaking of Hezbollah fighters in Syria, which were instrumental in turning the war to the Assad regime's advantage in the summer of 2013, Jumblatt said the "project will take the country to more destruction", he stated.

The Lebanese MP brandished harsh words about Iran’s role in the Yemen crisis, asking: "Isn't it our right to discuss and object to Iran's support for the (Houthi) minorities in Yemen?"

Jumblatt also criticized Hezbollah for lashing out at Saudi Arabia over its air strikes on the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Since March 26, a Saudi-led coalition has been targeting rebels and allied fighters loyal to Yemen's ousted president, Ali Abdullah Saleh.

A fleet of US warships is currently heading to the region from the Persian Gulf in a bid to prevent Iranian boats opening fire on Saudi and Egyptian vessels there – after reports emerged that Iran is attempting to supply the rebels with arms.

The Saudi government says its coalition, comprised of 10 Arab countries, is bombing the Houthis to restore Yemen's internationally-recognized president, President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who was forced to seek refuge in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of arming the Houthis, but Tehran denies the claimes, saying it merely provides aid and political support.

Helpful keywords