President Joseph Aoun rejected during a meeting Wednesday with the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani any foreign interference in Lebanon’s domestic affairs, stressing Lebanon’s readiness to cooperate with Iran, provided such relations remain anchored in national sovereignty and mutual respect.
In a firm message to the Iranian leadership, Aoun stressed that “no party is permitted to bear arms outside state authority.”
He warned against the dangers of armed groups seeking backing from abroad to challenge fellow Lebanese, saying “the Lebanese have paid a high price for relying on external powers against one another.”
Aoun also criticized recent statements by some Iranian officials opposing Hezbollah disarmament as “not helpful” and stressed that Lebanon, which respects the sovereignty of other countries, including Iran, expects the same in return.
He underscored that the friendship between Beirut and Tehran must transcend sectarian boundaries, embracing all components of Lebanese society — Christians and Muslims alike.
Aoun emphasized, as well, that the Lebanese state, through its constitutional and security institutions, bears full responsibility for protecting all its citizens.
Addressing regional threats, the president noted that any challenge posed by Israel or other actors is a challenge to all Lebanese, and that national unity remains the most powerful defense.
For his part, Larijani praised Aoun’s role in fostering unity across Lebanon’s sects and communities, and reiterated Tehran’s stance of non-interference in Lebanese internal affairs.
Larijani affirmed Iran’s desire to deepen ties with both the Lebanese state and people, assuring that any cooperation would be guided by respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and by mutual interest.
“Iran does not wish for even the slightest disruption in its friendship with Lebanon,” he said, adding that Tehran stands ready to help if requested by the Lebanese government.
The Iranian official expressed Iran’s willingness to assist Lebanon in reconstruction efforts and renewed an invitation for Aoun to visit Tehran.
From Ain al-Tineh, Larijani urges “unity in Lebanon”
After his meeting with President Aoun, Larijani then moved on to a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh.
From there, the Iranian official reiterated that Tehran does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs, then proceeded to outline how the country should address its political, military, and reconstruction challenges.
Larijani stressed the crucial importance of Lebanon’s unity and success, while reaffirming the friendly cooperation between Iran and Lebanon “without insisting on directives that impose a specific timetable,” in reference to the U.S. roadmap presented to the Lebanese authorities.
He added that wise decision-making in Lebanon requires “friendly and inclusive dialogue,” and praised the “Resistance” for demonstrating “deep thinking and strategic vision.”
Mr. Larijani also rejected any foreign interference, stating that “countries should not issue orders to Lebanon from abroad” and asserting that Iran does not meddle in Lebanon’s internal affairs and respects the country’s decisions.
On the military front, he affirmed that “if the Lebanese government requests it, we will, of course, be ready” to act in the event of an Israeli escalation, while stressing the importance of preserving and valuing the “Resistance,” which, he said, confronts Israel, describing it as a “predator.”
Regarding reconstruction, he said Iran “will make every possible effort” and noted that assistance has already been provided.
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