A high-ranking advisor to Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei said that the country’s leaders do not intend on reducing their influence in the Middle East.

:: A high-ranking advisor to Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei said that the country’s leaders do not intend on reducing their influence in the Middle East despite US pressure, the Fars News Agency reported.

The advisor, Ali Akbar Velayati, said “Iran’s influence in the area is inevitable, and in order for it to remain a key player in the region this influence will continue.” He added that Iran will continue backing Hezbollah and Palestinian factions.

A report released by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies revealed that Hezbollah receives between $700 to $800 million annually from Iran, according to a tweet by the Middle East specialist and foreign policy professional, Taylor Stapleton.