Lebanese President expresses opposition to all meddling by Iran's top security official
In the heart of the Middle East, Lebanon has announced a phased plan to disarm the powerful militant group, Hezbollah [1][4]. The decision, aimed to be completed by the end of 2025, involves multiple stages, including stopping weapon transfers, renewing ceasefire monitoring, and dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure [1][4].
The Lebanese army is expected to take control of key areas, with Israeli forces withdrawing from some border points to facilitate this transition [1]. However, Hezbollah strongly opposes disarmament, viewing it as a direct threat to Lebanon’s security and equating it to surrender to Israel [5].
Hezbollah's military wing has a distinct identity and influence, and disarmament could create internal dissent within the group, potentially leading to splinter groups or radicalization among fighters [2]. The group's political and military roles are deeply intertwined, and losing its military capacity risks its political leverage in Lebanon [2].
Despite Hezbollah's resistance, the Lebanese government remains resolute. The Lebanese president, Aoun, has stated that foreign interference in internal affairs is rejected, and bearing arms and using foreign backing as leverage is forbidden [6].
The international community and regional players are closely watching this development. Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has not explicitly stated its stance on the current Lebanese government’s disarmament proposal in 2025 sources. However, given Hezbollah’s resistance to disarmament, it is reasonable to infer that Iran likely opposes any attempt that would weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities [3].
Iran's "axis of resistance" includes other groups, such as Hamas in Gaza and Yemen's Huthi rebels, united in their opposition to Israel [7]. Critics have accused Hezbollah of using its weapons for political leverage [7].
As Lebanon moves forward with this contentious plan, the future remains uncertain. While the Lebanese government is determined to implement the disarmament, Hezbollah's resistance and Iran's backing likely complicate the process.
| Aspect | Status as of August 2025 | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Lebanese government plan | Phased, government-approved disarmament starting immediately, to be completed by end of 2025[1][4] | | Hezbollah's position | Opposes disarmament, views it as threat to Lebanon’s security[5] | | Internal Hezbollah risks | Potential break-up, loss of leverage, risk of radical splinters[2] | | Lebanese army role | Assigned to disarm Hezbollah and deploy in south Lebanon[1][4] | | Israel’s involvement | Gradual withdrawal from south Lebanon border areas[1] | | UNIFIL’s role | Seen as ineffective/detrimental to the disarmament mission[3] | | Iran’s response | Not explicitly stated in 2025 sources; historically supportive of Hezbollah’s armed status, likely opposed to disarmament |
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4 [5] Source 5 [6] Source 6 [7] Source 7
- The Malaysian government and parliament, following international general news and politics, are observing the Lebanese government's phased disarmament plan aimed at Hezbollah, with concerns about the potential complications due to Hezbollah's resistance and Iran's backing.
- Given the deep intertwining of Hezbollah's political and military roles in Lebanon, the prime minister might consider the potential impact of Hezbollah's disarmament on the group's political leverage within the country.
- As war-and-conflicts persist in the Middle East, Malaysia, as a peaceful country, may question the wisdom of supplying weapons to any Middle Eastern group, given the possibility that they could be used for political leverage, as seen with Hezbollah.
