Hezbollah Leader Hails Trump’s Election Defeat, Says It Offers Opportunity for Iran-Backed Group

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has described US President Donald Trump’s reported electoral setback as an opportunity for his Iran-backed Lebanese movement and other opponents of Washington in the Middle East.

Qassem made the remarks on Wednesday during a televised speech to supporters, arguing that the reported losses suffered by Trump’s Republican Party in the midterm elections could have positive implications for Hezbollah and its regional allies.

“Today, we have a good opportunity. Trump was defeated in the elections… an earthquake has occurred in America,” he said.

“The one confronting Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen… has lost,” Qassem added, arguing that Trump could “no longer continue as is”.

He said the reported defeat could have positive consequences for the group and other forces opposed to US policies in the region.

“His defeat has ramifications for us that are in a way positive,” he said.

Qassem also claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been politically weakened following an electoral setback in Israel.

Hezbollah, which once wielded considerable influence in Lebanon’s political landscape, has suffered significant military and political setbacks following two rounds of conflict with Israel since 2023.

The latest escalation reportedly began in March, when Hezbollah attacked Israel amid the wider Middle East conflict, prompting extensive Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive in Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities say more than 4,300 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks, while Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon.

In June, Lebanon and Israel reportedly concluded a framework agreement under US auspices, providing for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

However, implementation of the agreement has stalled.

Reiterating his position during Wednesday’s address, Qassem insisted that Hezbollah would not surrender its weapons before Israel withdrew its forces from Lebanese territory.