BEIRUT - Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reaffirmed on Thursday the group's alignment with Iran, stating that Hezbollah will "act as it deems suitable" in confronting what he described as "joint American-Israeli aggression" against Iran.

In a statement released by Hezbollah, Qassem hailed Iran as a "beacon for the oppressed" and a key supporter of resistance movements, particularly in Palestine and Lebanon.

He rejected the justification for attacks on Iran's "peaceful" nuclear program, saying it was a legitimate scientific effort in line with international law. He argued that the true motive behind Western hostility is Iran's role in inspiring resistance and undermining foreign domination in the region.

Qassem also condemned US threats against Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and called on other countries to unite with Iran to resist hegemony and end aggression.

Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran early Friday, aiming to cripple Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production, and military capabilities. Media reports suggest that the United States is likely to join the operation against Iran.