Former Minister Mustafa Bayram has stated that “the world is witnessing major strategic shifts amidst international conflict, particularly the US-China rivalry,” noting that “the United States seeks to maintain its hegemony and influence, yet it faces mounting challenges both in the region and globally.”
In remarks made on Saturday, Bayram observed that “recent developments most notably the Iranian stance have exposed the limitations of American power to impose its will, demonstrating that the balance of power is no longer what it once was.” He added that “the assassination [attempt] involving Sayyed Ali Khamenei, and the events that followed, raise fundamental questions regarding international law and the norms that govern relations between states.” He further emphasized that “current events point to an expansionist agenda targeting the region a threat that is not confined to any single nation or specific theater.”
Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Bayram asserted that “the Israeli enemy continues its aggressions and violations, despite the ceasefire agreement of November 27, 2024.” He argued that “the framework agreement did not halt the aggression; rather, it provided Israel with cover to persist in its attacks.” He emphasized that “the resistance was not the cause of the losses suffered by the Lebanese people; on the contrary, it was a fundamental factor in protecting the land and reclaiming territories,” noting that “the return to villages and towns would not have been possible were it not for the sacrifices of the resistance fighters and the steadfastness of the local population.”
Bayram pointed out that “the confrontation is not limited to Lebanon; it extends to Gaza, Yemen, and strategic waterways from the Bab al-Mandab Strait to the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal.” He observed that “these arenas have become part of a regional and international equation that impacts the interests of major powers.” He added that “these developments confirm that the region has entered a new phase, and that attempts to subjugate its peoples no longer yield the results that Washington and Tel Aviv had anticipated.”
Bayram further noted that “Israel is grappling with mounting crises politically, in terms of security, and socially amidst internal societal shifts and upcoming electoral challenges, in addition to its failure to achieve its objectives in Gaza.” He highlighted “the declining ability of the United States to impose its narrative upon global public opinion,” stressing that “a growing awareness of the reality of Israeli practices has contributed to undermining the narrative that Washington had long sought to promote.”
Bayram underscored “the importance of forging a unified Arab and Islamic stance to confront common threats,” asserting that “the security of the region’s nations is interconnected, and what affects one state inevitably impacts the others.” He emphasized that “the resistance continues to strengthen its position and accumulate points of strength; any gamble on exhausting it or forcing it to surrender will fail to achieve its objectives.”
Bayram also addressed the performance of the Lebanese state and various pressing issues, focusing on certain judicial decisions and procedures most notably the case concerning explosives. He highlighted the role played by Speaker Nabih Berri in approaching national issues, and concluded by affirming that Lebanon will not yield to pressures or acts of aggression, and that the path of steadfastness will continue until Lebanon is liberated and restored to a state of pride and dignity.
Source: Al-Manar English Website