On Wednesday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem called for national unity, warning that bombings similar to those that targeted the Iranian Embassy could happen again.

“The terrorist bombing that struck near the Iranian Embassy in Beirut was carried out by criminal and malicious hands that reflect the takfiri-Israeli pattern,” Qassem said in an interview with Hezbollah’s al-Nour radio station.

“Such bombings may recur despite all security precautions taken by the relevant bodies and the strenuous action taken by these bodies in order to uncover the perpetrators,” he added.

“We must expect such matters [bombings] to happen. But with vigilance, determination and confidence in Almighty God, we can foil the chance for these acts to achieve their goals.”

Qassem dismissed fears that the blasts presaged Iraq or Syria-style sectarian violence.

“Lebanon has not yet reached the point where it can be compared to Iraq. The situation is different and we are still at the beginning of the road,” he said.

Some 25 people including an Iranian official were killed and almost 150 more wounded in twin bomb blasts in the Lebanese capital.

The bombings sparked worldwide condemnation, with calls for restraint to avoid inflaming tensions in Lebanon further.

NTJ/NJF