Iran affirms its influence in the region amidst global pressures
In the heart of August 2025, Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, paid a visit to Beirut, Lebanon. This trip occurred amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Lebanon, particularly concerning Lebanon's attempts to reclaim sovereignty and curb Hezbollah's influence, a militia and political group backed by Iran.
Lebanon, under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, was making a significant policy shift by seeking to disarm Hezbollah, which has been operating as a "state within a state" under Iranian patronage since the 1980s and has been a source of Lebanon’s political, security, and economic difficulties.
Upon his arrival at Beirut airport, Larijani made a statement, expressing Iran's commitment to stand by the Lebanese people and defend Lebanon's interests. During his meetings with Lebanese officials, such as Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani conveyed messages of support for Hezbollah but also urged alignment with the Lebanese government's decisions. He denied bringing any disarmament plans, accusing the US of imposing such agendas via envoys like Tom Barrack.
Larijani's visit served multiple strategic purposes for Iran. It aimed to reaffirm political support for Hezbollah while urging it to coordinate more closely with the Lebanese government. The visit also served as a regional diplomatic signal amidst shifting alliances, including reactions to U.S. pressure on groups like Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Lastly, Iran sought to leverage Hezbollah as a "card" potentially useful in negotiations with the U.S.
However, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Reji boycotted Larijani’s visit, underscoring the internal Lebanese resistance to Tehran’s influence and the government’s assertive moves to limit Hezbollah’s autonomy.
In conclusion, Larijani's visit reflects Iran's complex attempt to maintain influence in Lebanon during a period of Lebanese political assertion against Hezbollah and Tehran, amidst broader regional tensions involving U.S. involvement and post-conflict dynamics with Israel.
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