Hezbollah 'won't immediately' fight if Israel strikes Iran: Nasrallah

The head of Lebanon's Iran-backed Shia group Hezbollah said his movement would not immediately retaliate if Tehran was ever attacked by Israel.

Hassan Nasrallah, speaking to Iranian state Al-Alam TV, said he believes Israel will not strike Iran despite mounting tensions over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and militant movement, is one of Iran's closest allies in the region and has received substantial support from Tehran during its nearly four-decade existence.

The group has been attacked by critics for its "disruptive" role in Lebanese politics, as the country goes through its worst economic crises in recent history.

Nasrallah appeared to distance himself from Tehran in the interview, following continued claims that the Iranian embassy in Beirut effectively directs Hezbollah policy.

"Tell us about a single act that Hezbollah did for the sake of Iran rather than for the sake of Lebanon," he said.

"Iran is a strong regional state and any war with it will blow up the entire region," Nasrallah said, according to remarks translated by Naharnet.

"What the Israelis say about a strike on Iran is only aimed at intimidation," he said regarding perceived Israeli threats against Tehran.

He warned of a harsh response should Israel act on its threats towards Iran, Nasrallah said.

Hezbollah has fought several wars with Israel during its existence, including a bloody war in Lebanon in 2006.

Despite tensions and the occasional border flare-up the two sides have not fought a war for over a decade.