Senior Lebanese officials have sharply criticized Iran’s interference in their internal affairs following a meeting in Beirut between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
President Aoun told Larijani that friendship between Lebanon and Iran should not be based solely on one component—Hezbollah—and voiced opposition to Iranian officials’ rejection of disarming the group.
He stressed that only Lebanese state institutions represent the people, that no entity other than the Lebanese Army should hold weapons or receive external arms, and that Lebanon rejects Iranian meddling in its domestic matters. Aoun also called Israel a challenge for all Lebanese.
Prime Minister Salam told Larijani that recent statements by senior Iranian figures—such as Foreign Minister Araghchi, adviser Velayati, and Colonel Masjedi—opposing Hezbollah’s disarmament were “unacceptable in content and form.” He said such remarks directly criticize Lebanese sovereign decisions, openly threaten the country, breach diplomatic norms, and violate mutual respect for sovereignty.
