Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri resigned unexpectedly Saturday, citing Iran’s growing power in the Middle East and saying he feared being assassinated like his father, former leader Rafik Hariri. The move stunned observers and cast Lebanese politics into disarray. Hariri made the announcement in a televised speech from Saudi Arabia that aired on the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya network, prompting speculation that Hariri was forced out by the Saudi royal family. This is Hassan Nasrallah, head of the powerful Hezbollah militia and political party.

Hassan Nasrallah: “This information gives us a clear conclusion that the resignation was a Saudi decision dictated to Prime Minister Hariri, so he was forced into it. The resignation wasn’t his intention, his desire or his decision.”