Foreign interference criticized by Lebanon as Iran's top security official pays a visit
In a delicate balancing act, Lebanon's government is pushing to disarm Hezbollah and reclaim exclusive control of weapons within the state, a move that has sparked strong opposition from Iran. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani recently visited Beirut to emphasise that disarming Hezbollah would jeopardize Iran's regional deterrence network.
Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun, has stated that any interference in Lebanon's internal affairs is forbidden, and no one should bear arms or use foreign backing as leverage. This stance was reiterated by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who declared that Lebanon's decisions are made by the Lebanese themselves, and they do not tolerate tutelage or diktat.
The Lebanese cabinet has been considering a US proposal that included a timetable for Hezbollah's disarmament, with Washington pressing Beirut to take action. However, Hezbollah has labeled this push as a "grave sin". The militant group, a key part of Iran's so-called axis of resistance against Israel, has experienced significant losses and setbacks over the past year.
Despite Iran's vocal opposition, its practical ability to support Hezbollah has diminished recently. Logistical disruptions, such as Lebanese crackdowns on Iranian smuggling routes and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, have affected Iran's capacity to aid Hezbollah. Hezbollah has reportedly been rebuilding its command structure and increasing domestic drone production to lessen reliance on Iranian arms.
Larijani, during his visit, vowed continued Iranian support for Lebanon, stating that if the Lebanese people are suffering, Iran will stand by them in all circumstances. He also implied that foreign powers planning for Lebanon and giving timetables from afar are interfering in its affairs.
The meeting between Larijani and Lebanese officials, including parliament speaker Nabih Berri who is close to Hezbollah, is taking place in Beirut. Larijani is also expected to visit the grave of Hezbollah's late leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Iran, through Ali Larijani, has stated that no foreign power should give orders to Lebanon and that it is the United States, not Iran, that is intervening. Salam, Lebanon's Prime Minister, reiterated that Lebanon will not accept any interference in its internal affairs and expects a clear commitment from Iran to respect these principles.
The Iran-Hezbollah-Lebanon dynamic remains complicated and tense, with Lebanon's sovereignty efforts, Iran's strategic interests, and Hezbollah's survival ambitions intersecting amid regional and international geopolitical shifts. The fate of this regional power struggle remains to be seen.
[1] "Iran vows to stand by Hezbollah amid Lebanon's disarmament push." Reuters, 2025. [2] "Larijani visits Lebanon, vows continued Iranian support." Mehr News Agency, 2025. [3] "Lebanon's push to disarm Hezbollah: A balancing act." The Washington Post, 2025. [4] "Hezbollah rebuilding, restructuring amid disarmament push." Al-Monitor, 2025. [5] "Iran's diminishing ability to support Hezbollah." The Jerusalem Post, 2025.
[1] The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Lebanon, centered around Hezbollah's disarmament, has become a hot topic in the realm of politics, with Iran backing Hezbollah against the Lebanese government's push for it to relinquish its arms.
[2] As the Lebanese cabinet considers the US proposal for Hezbollah's disarmament and the general-news unfolds, international players like Iran continue to express their concerns over foreign intervention in Lebanon's internal affairs.
