Tehran: Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem says unity of the Islamic Ummah is essential to confront divisive schemes pursued by the United States.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in a televised speech on the birth anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad (PBHU) late on Friday, Sheikh Qassem noted that Washington uses 'the criminal Israel' to break regional countries and advance the project of 'Greater Israel.'

He added that Iran has stood firm against the US, and together with resistance movements in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, has confronted occupation and hegemonic projects.

Naim Qassem noted that the US is facing decline, pointing to heavy debts and loss of global credibility, while the Israeli regime is also suffering from reverse migration and economic deterioration.

He criticized Lebanon's government for direct negotiations with Israel, describing the July framework agreement as illegitimate and humiliating, and insisted that resistance achievements include preventing Israel from reaching Beirut and stopping its expansionist plans.

Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah will remain steadfast and will not surrender, and that its achievement is defeating the Greater Israel plot.