Marwan Abdallah, head of the Kataeb Party's Foreign Affairs Department, warned that Hezbollah’s dominance in Lebanon undermines State authority and democracy, and called for a peaceful reshaping of regional dynamics, particularly regarding Iran’s influence.

In an interview with RedTV, Abdallah described Hezbollah as an Iranian project, built and sustained through direct ideological, military, and financial support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. He noted that the group has openly acknowledged this connection, which has allowed it to maintain significant political and military influence in Lebanon.

“Any decline or cessation of Iranian support would benefit Lebanon,” Abdallah said, emphasizing that it would weaken Hezbollah ideologically, financially, and militarily, and facilitate the consolidation of weapons under the Lebanese State. He underscored that Lebanese Shiites should not be conflated with Hezbollah, describing the community as an integral part of Lebanon and encouraging its members to reengage in state-building.

Abdallah outlined two paths for Hezbollah: continue its armed and destructive approach, which would increasingly isolate it from public opinion, including its own support base, or transition into a civilian political party operating within State institutions, without weapons or illicit funding, subject to voters’ will.

He criticized the group’s current dominance as imposed through force, intimidation, and coercion rather than democratic legitimacy. Calling for the parliamentary elections to be held within legal timelines, Abdallah stressed that true democracy cannot exist under intimidation.

He rejected the notion that Hezbollah serves as a deterrent against Israel, arguing that the Lebanese Army alone constitutes the country’s legitimate defense.

“Hezbollah’s adventures have historically provided pretexts for conflict,” he said, praising the army’s competence and calling on the international community to bolster its capabilities.

“Lebanon cannot be built amid the presence of an armed faction subservient to a foreign project. It is built through one state, one authority, and one military.”

Turning to Iran, Abdallah said the ongoing protests and rapid developments there signal a sensitive period for the region, with direct implications for Lebanon. While the Kataeb Party maintains a policy of ‘positive neutrality’ toward regional affairs, he argued that Iran’s more than four decades of direct interference in Lebanon make it necessary to comment on Tehran’s actions.

Abdallah argued that any shift in Iran’s regional role, particularly in areas affecting Lebanon, would be welcome. He said the party had hoped for such change to emerge from within the Iranian regime itself, peacefully and without violence, through a clear decision to end interference in other nations’ affairs, though this has not yet occurred.

He emphasized that the Iranian people deserve freedom and dignity, noting Iran’s wealth of natural and oil resources and its long history of cultural openness. He described the removal of the current regime, if it occurs, as potentially beneficial for the Iranian people and for Lebanon, provided it ends Iran’s destabilizing regional activities. Abdallah firmly rejected violent options, warning that Lebanon often pays the price for regional conflicts as the “weakest link.”

Regarding U.S. intentions, Abdallah said it is difficult to determine Washington’s goals. He noted that mutual threats are insufficient to judge intent, and that military action alone does not guarantee regime change as the ultimate decision rests with the Iranian people.

He called on the international community to protect protesters, ensure their right to peaceful expression, and prevent repression. He warned that hesitation in supporting peaceful movements could delay change for years, while any military action, if necessary, should focus solely on preventing oppression rather than broadening conflict.

Abdallah assessed Iran’s capacity to respond to a U.S. strike as limited, likely producing localized effects. He noted that the U.S. maintains clear military superiority and that Israel, as a strategic ally, is prepared to play any required role, potentially shaping Washington’s tougher stance toward Tehran.

He concluded that regional and international actors should support transitions in Iran that limit expansionist ambitions and reduce interference in neighboring countries, which he said would directly benefit Lebanon’s stability and development.