Iran commander: Israel coerced Arab states into labeling Hezbollah terror group

On Wednesday, the Gulf bloc designated Iran's proxy based in Lebanon as a terrorist organization.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: MARCH 6, 2016 15:05
Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day (photo credit: REUTERS)
Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim men from the Iranian-backed group Kataib Hezbollah wave the party's flags as they walk along a street painted in the colours of the Israeli flag during a parade marking the annual Quds Day
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A top commander in Iran's military on Sunday said the recent decision by Gulf Arab states to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization was made at Israel's order, the Islamic State's Press TV reported.
Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi blasted the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for making what he said was a strategic mistake that counters the interest of Muslim nations.
On Wednesday, the Gulf bloc designated Iran's proxy based in Lebanon as a terrorist organization.
Iran's state-run Press TV cited Firouzabadi as claiming that the move was lead by Saudi Arabia as part of preparations in its "proxy war" to make way for future possible actions by the US and "Zionists" in the region.
While Iran has accused the Gulf states of jeopardizing Lebanon's stability by blacklisting Hezbollah, Firouzabadi charged that the GCC's decision would not impact the terror group's role in the Middle East's balance of power.