Eurasia Press & News
On August 13, 2025, during his visit to Lebanon, the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, heard unequivocally from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam that Lebanon is no longer under Iranian patronage and will not tolerate Iranian dictates or interference in its internal affairs.
Larijani’s visit came amid tension between the two countries that followed the historic August 5 decision by the Lebanese government to disarm Hizbullah by the end of the year[1] – a decision that sparked rage in Hizbullah’s patron Iran. Iranian officials, among them Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as Ali Akbar Velayati, top advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Iraj Masjedi, deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Qods Force, expressed their vehement opposition to the Lebanon’s sovereign decision, claiming that it reflected not the will of the Lebanese people but only Israeli and American aspirations. These senior Iranian officials voiced support for Hizbullah’s refusal to comply with the demand to disarm,[2] and warned that Hizbullah could thwart this plan because it had already rebuilt itself following the war with Israel and is now “at the height of its powers.” They added that Iran would support the organization in this matter.
Lebanon was quick to respond to these statements, perceiving them as direct and blatant interference in its domestic affairs. In a notable response, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued, unprecedentedly, not one but two harsh condemnations of “the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and stability.”
More condemnation and criticism came from the anti-Hizbullah and anti-Iran camp in Lebanon, which called on the Lebanese government to take diplomatic measures against Iran, such as expelling the Iranian ambassador and even severing relations with Iran, in addition to filing a complaint with the UN Security Council.
During his visit to Lebanon, Larijani reiterated his country’s support for Hizbullah and its weapons, amid his diplomatic statements that his country does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs and seeks to maintain good relations with the country. However, as stated, he encountered a surprisingly firm and forceful response from the president and prime minister, with whom he met and who had not hesitated to reject Iran’s criticism of the decision to disarm Hizbullah, calling it blatant interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs. The two Lebanese leaders had informed Larijani that this decision stands, and had urged Iran to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and maintain its relations with Lebanon via its official institutions – not via Hizbullah.
This report will review reactions by Iranian regime officials to the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm Hizbullah, along with the enraged responses in Lebanon to these Iranian statements reflecting the shift in Lebanon’s attitude towards Iran.
Lebanese Officials To Iranian Supreme National Security Council Head Larijani: We Will Not Accept Foreign Dictates; The Decision To Disarm Hizbullah Stands
As noted, on August 13, 2025, Ali Larijani, who was recently appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, arrived in Lebanon amid tensions between the two countries that are growing due to Iran’s open opposition to the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm Hizbullah. The visit was marked by Larijani’s chilly reception by the heads of the Lebanese state, who clarified to him that Lebanon’s official relations with Iran had shifted and that Lebanon would no longer accept Iranian dictates.
Even before Larijani’s arrival in the country, the Lebanese Nidaa Al-Watan daily, known for its opposition to Iran and Hizbullah, had declared Larijani persona non grata in Lebanon.[3]
The shift in official Lebanon’s relations with Iran was already clear during Larijani’s reception at the airport: He was met by a relatively low-level Lebanese official, Rodrigue Khoury, a Foreign Ministry consul.[4]
The change in Lebanon’s attitude to Iran was also apparent in the positions presented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in their meetings with Larijani, as published in statements by their respective offices. The two Lebanese officials made it clear to the Larijani that Lebanon would no longer accept Iranian dictates or the existence of an Iran-backed militia in Lebanon serving Iran’s interests. They added that Iran must change its behavior accordingly. Aoun said in his meeting with Larijani: “Lebanon wants to cooperate with Iran within the boundaries of sovereignty and of friendship based on mutual respect… The language recently heard by Lebanon from some Iranian officials was not helpful… The friendly [relations] we want to see between the two countries must not be conducted by [just] one sect [i.e. the Shi’ites] or by one Lebanese element [i.e. Hizbullah], but rather by all Lebanese… We reject any intervention in our internal affairs by anyone, and want the Lebanese arena to remain secure and stable, in a way that will serve all Lebanese, without exception…
“Lebanon does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, including in Iran’s… and does not want anyone interfering in its own. Lebanon has paid a heavy price for the foreign help [received by some Lebanese] against fellow Lebanese. The lesson we have learned from this is that no element, without exception, should bear arms and receive foreign help. It is the Lebanese state and its armed forces that are in charge of the security of all Lebanese, without exception. Any challenge posed by Israel or any other enemy is a challenge to all Lebanese, not just to any one group…”[5]
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam likewise spared no criticism of Iran’s conduct. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office following his meeting with Larijani said: “The direct [Iranian] criticism of the Lebanese decisions taken by the state’s constitutional authorities, and especially the [Iranian statements] that were threatening in tone, are a flagrant violation of the rules of diplomacy and the principle of [countries’] mutual respect for [each other’s] sovereignty, which is the foundation of proper bilateral relations.”
The statement added: “I and the other Lebanese officials do not presume to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, or to support one group [in Iran] at the expense of others, or to oppose sovereign Iranian decisions. Therefore, Lebanon will in no way accept any interference in its internal affairs, and expects a clear and sincere Iranian commitment in this matter [not to do this]…
“Lebanese government decisions are not a matter for discussion by any other country. It is the Lebanese government that is authorized to make decisions in Lebanon; the Lebanese make their own decisions and reject patronage or dictates from anyone else… Lebanon, which was among the first to defend the Palestinian cause, and paid a heavy price with Israel [for doing so], needs no lesson from anyone… All relations with Lebanon are conducted via its constitutional institutions, not via any political group or parallel channel. We welcome all foreign assistance, provided it comes via official channels.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Salam told journalists that “Lebanon will not agree to be an arena for score-settling… Our sovereign decisions, including all plans and timetables, are based on our own national interest.”[6]
Larijani: We Support Hizbullah And The Resistance
It should be stressed that even in the face of the criticism and harsh statements from Lebanon’s heads of state, Larijani nevertheless reiterated Iran’s support for Hizbullah and called on its supporters to stand by the resistance.
Upon his arrival in Lebanon and his meeting with President Aoun, Larijani stated that his country “wants to tighten its relations with the Lebanese state and the Lebanese people on all levels,” and that “Iran does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs… [but only] wants to help [Lebanon], if its government [also] wants this.” However, in meetings with his Lebanese allies from Amal and Hizbullah, Larijani spoke differently and appeared to rebuke Lebanon’s decision makers.
For example, in a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, he conveyed that Lebanon’s government must make its decisions in coordination with Hizbullah, stating: “We will respect any decision taken by the [Lebanese] government that are in coordination and cooperation with the Lebanese factions… It is consulting with the resistance that Lebanon will make the right decisions.”
Rejecting the Lebanese leaders’ statements about Iranian interference in Lebanon’s affairs, Larijani said: “It is not we who presented Lebanon with a definite plan. The Americans did this.” Regarding the U.S. demand for a timetable for Hizbullah’s disarmament, he said: “We do not support demands for a definite timetable… Countries should not issue instructions to Lebanon.” He continued: “Who was it that attacked your country?… Wasn’t it Israel? You should take care… to distinguish between friend and foe and you should know that the resistance is a great national resource for you.”[7]
During a visit to the grave of Hizbullah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, killed by Israel in September 2024, Larijani called on Hizbullah to carry on with the resistance, saying: “If you want to follow in the footsteps of the martyr Hassan Nasrallah, you must stand fast and continue the resistance. Your path is clear, and victory will eventually be yours.” He went in to stress that Iran would “always support the resistance” throughout the world.[8]
Senior Iranian Officials: Disarming Hizbullah Is A Dream That Will Be Buried With Those Who Seek It; Hizbullah Is Now At The Height Of Its Power And We Will Help It To Thwart This Plan
As noted, the harsh criticism of Iran by the Lebanese president and prime minster during Larijani’s visit came against the backdrop of senior Iranian officials’ criticism of the Lebanese government’s decision to disarm Hizbullah. The Iranian officials argued that Lebanon had reached this decision under pressure from Israel and the U.S., and emphasized that Hizbullah had rebuilt itself and was now fully capable of confronting attempts to disarm it – hinting at the possibility that it might even use military force
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an August 6, 2025 Iranian TV interview: “The efforts to disarm Hizbullah are nothing new. There were previous attempts in this direction, after the battlefields proved to everyone the effectiveness of the weapons of resistance. Some maintain that Hizbullah is weakened and thus have raised the idea of disarmament and placed [this idea] at the forefront. But the Hizbullah secretary general’s firm position, which he expressed in his most recent statement, proved that Hizbullah will stand fast in the face of all pressures.”[9] He added: “Today, Hizbullah is at the height of its power. The damages caused it in the recent war have been repaired, and it has reorganized. Its forces have been deployed and new commanders have been appointed… Today it has enough capability to defend itself.” He also said: “The Hizbullah leadership makes the decisions, and Iran provides support without interfering in them.”[10]
Several days later, Ali Akbar Velayati, top advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said in regard to the Lebanese government decision that these ideas had failed in the past when the resistance had fewer capabilities and resources, and that they would also certainly fail now, when Hizbullah “has greater popular support and many more capabilities.” He added: “One of the reasons these political plans are being raised is the Zionist belief that Hizbullah is weak, after, with the help of the U.S., it eliminated senior officials such as Hassan Nasrallah. But [the organization’s] infrastructure is still very strong. Today, Hizbullah is much stronger than it was in 1981 and 1982,[11] and without it, the Israelis would do more damage to Lebanon than they have done to Palestine. Hizbullah, which defended Lebanon, will also defend itself from these American plans.”
Claiming that the Lebanese government is not serving its people, Velayati continued: “The peoples of the region, first and foremost the Lebanese people, are wondering whether the government of Lebanon has any sense of responsibility for defending the country and the people when it presents these plans. If Hizbullah lays down its weapons, who will defend the lives, property, and honor of the Lebanese? Isn’t past experience a sufficient lesson for some of the politicians in this country?”
He went on to say that the Lebanese government is implementing “the American and Israeli wish… to create another Joulani [i.e. Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, aka Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani] in Lebanon[12]– but this dream will not come true. Lebanon will, as it always has, continue to stand fast.”
Stressing that “Iran is absolutely opposed to disarming Hizbullah, because it has always supported the people of Lebanon and its resistance and it will continue with this support,” he “advised” the “wise people in Lebanon to stand fast against those heading the disarmament plan,” otherwise, “the resistance will do so, with our support.” He continued: “Those in Lebanon who are wise should thwart this unjustified plan. Lebanon is not Syria. No one like Al-Joulani can emerge there. I am certain that there are wise people in Lebanon who will prevent this…”[13]
Several senior Iranian officials even called the Lebanese government’s desire to disarm Hizbullah “a dream” and “a delusion” that would not be actualized. Deputy Qods Force commander Iraj Masjedi said: “The plan to disarm Hizbullah in Lebanon is one that [is bound to] fail. The U.S. and the Zionist regime aspire to disarm the resistance in Lebanon, but this dream will die together with them. The weapons of the resistance are the weapons of the Lebanese people to defend its land, and this plan will not come to fruition, neither in the Lebanese security council nor in any other arena. The resistance forces are ready and armed, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared for any possible scenario.”[14]
Similar statements were made by Guardian Council secretary Ahmad Jinnati, who said at a August 10 council meeting, “These days, there are people who talk about the complete occupation of Gaza and of disarming Hizbullah. They should know that these are absolute delusions.”[15]
Rage And Apprehension In Lebanon Following Iranian Officials’ Statements
This blatant Iranian support for Hizbullah and its weapons, which effectively constitutes absolute support for the organization’s refusal to comply with the Lebanese government’s decisions, sparked rage in the government and among the anti-Hizbullah sector. Regarding this as a continuation of Iran’s interference in Lebanon’s domestic affairs, these Hizbullah opponents called on the government to take steps against Iran, expel its ambassador from the country, and even sever relations with it.
Lebanese Foreign Ministry: Iran Is Infringing On Lebanese Sovereignty; It Should Take Care Of Its Own People
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry has so far published two announcements condemning the remarks of the senior Iranian officials. In response to the statements by Foreign Minister Araghchi, it said that he had “addressed internal Lebanese affairs that are in no way the concern of the Islamic Republic” and “are firmly rejected and condemned. Such statements undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and stability.” Stressing that relations “between states must be based on mutual respect, equality, non-interference in domestic affairs, and full adherence to the decisions of legitimate constitutional institutions,” it added that “it is completely unacceptable for these relations to be used to promote or support domestic actors outside the framework of the Lebanese state and its legitimate institutions or at the expense of the state itself.”[16]
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry’s response to the statements by Qods Force deputy commander Masjedi and Khamenei advisor Velayati was even harsher. It stated: “Such unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated by the Lebanese State under any circumstances. Lebanon will not permit any foreign party, whether friend or foe, to speak on behalf of its people or to claim any form of tutelage over its sovereign decisions. The Ministry reminds the leadership in Tehran that Iran would be better served by focusing on the issues of its own people and addressing their needs and aspirations, rather than involving itself in matters that do not concern it. Lebanon’s future, its policies, and its political system are matters decided solely by the Lebanese people, through their democratic constitutional institutions, free from any interference, dictates, pressure, or overreach. The Lebanese State will remain steadfast in defending its sovereignty, and will respond in accordance with diplomatic practice.”[17]
The Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji had ordered the Iranian ambassador in Lebanon to be summoned to provide clarification.[18] However, according to Lebanese Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani, this has not yet happened. In an August 11, 2025 interview, Hani said: “The summoning of the Iranian ambassador is a [possibility] if the Iranian interference continues.”[19]
Hizbullah Opponents: Iran Is The “Great Satan” And Has Caused Lebanon Great Damage
Vehement responses were heard also in the Lebanese political system from Hizbullah’s opponents. They pointed at the massive destruction that Iran had caused in Lebanon and called on it to stop interfering in their country’s affairs.
Richard Kouyoumjian, a former minister from the Lebanese Forces party, which is headed by Samir Geagea, wrote on his X account in response to Araghchi’s statements: “The Lebanese government’s decision to disarm all the militias, including Hizbullah, the IRGC’s branch in Lebanon, is none of your [Araghchi’s] business. Focus on the problems of Iran and leave us alone. You have already caused massive damage to our country. Enough!”[20]
Pierre Bou Assi, a member of parliament from the Lebanese Forces, wrote on his X account: “On the Hiroshima anniversary, Araghchi wants to destroy Lebanon. Sir, it is best that you focus on rebuilding the ruins in Iran, which is observing the destruction of Gaza and Lebanon from the sidelines…”[21]
Lebanese journalist Charles Jabbour, also from the Lebanese Forces party, wrote on X: “The Iranian regime is absolute evil and the Great Satan.[22] The region will not be calm until this terrorist regime falls.”[23]
Calls For Expelling The Iranian Ambassador And Severing Relations With Iran
Many in the anti-Iran and anti-Hizbullah circles in Lebanon called on the government to take harsh diplomatic measures against Iran, including expelling the Iranian ambassador and severing relations. Also heard were calls to file a complaint with the UN Security Council against Iran because of its threat to Lebanon.
For example, Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea said that the Iranian officials’ statements were not mere expressions of opinion regarding another country’s domestic affairs via the usual diplomatic channels but rather constituted “incitement and a threat of military intervention against the Lebanese government to prevent it from implementing its decisions.” He therefore called on the government to thoroughly examine the option of calling on the Council of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council to convene respective emergency session regarding “the Iranian threat to Lebanon” and also to file a complaint with the UN Security Council about the Iranian threat, which has reached the point of threatening direct military intervention against Lebanon. He added: “We, as Lebanese, have never interfered in Iran’s internal affairs… We will not agree to Iran’s continued interference in ours, after its 40 years of interference led to the destruction of Lebanon and its being set back decades.”[24]
Likewise, Phalangist Party head MP Sami Al-Gemayel wrote on X: “Iran’s foreign ministry is the last one that should preach to the Lebanese government. Let it see to its own country and allow us to rebuild what it destroyed in Lebanon. Your patronage is over forever. Starting today, these statements must not be ignored. I hope that tomorrow our friend the foreign minister summons the Iranian ambassador [for a reprimand conversation], as a first step before expelling him.”[25]
Hadi Mashmoushi, member of the National Dialogue Party’s political bureau, called via X to sever relations with Iran: “What is this insolence? The Iranian ambassador must be expelled from Lebanon and [Lebanon-Iran] relations must be severed, as this is blatant interference and incitement to a coup against the state. This is disrespectful to the prime minister and to the president, who was the one who chaired the government meeting. We must not remain silent about what happened. For once, let us feel that Iran is a country that needs to respect Lebanese sovereignty – not an occupier whose ambassador is High Commissioner [to Lebanon].”[26]
Similar remarks were made by Lebanese journalist Rami Naim on X: “It is not enough to summon the Iranian ambassador following the Iranian foreign minister’s statements. Relations [with Iran] must be severed and its ambassador expelled. Iran is proving once again that Hizbullah [operates according to] its [Iran’s] decisions and is not Lebanese. It was [Iran] that created it [Hizbullah] with the aim of damaging Lebanon – not of opposing Israel.”[27]
Journalist Charles Jabbour, the senior Lebanese Forces official, wrote on X on August 10: “The summoning of the Iranian ambassador and the condemnation by [Lebanon] Foreign Ministry are not enough. The Lebanese government, which on August 5 made a historic decision to dismantle the illegal weapons, first and foremost Hizbullah’s, must make a similar historic sovereign decision and sever relations with the terrorist Iran.”[28]
Nakhleh Adimi, a columnist for the Lebanese anti-Hizbullah daily Nidaa Al-Watan, wrote under the title “Expel Iran’s Ambassador From Lebanon” that Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, despite his academic education, is “ignorant in both thought and politics.” He stated: “This man deliberately and intentionally incites the Lebanese against each other and encourages them to fight each other. This man, who ignored the rules of diplomacy, incites the street in order to [create] instability and fuel the internal struggle among ethnic groups.”
Adimi continued: “The Iranian orchestra carries on with its incitement, and will continue this in the future… If Iran goes on making its brazen statements, there will be no alternative but to summon the Iranian ambassador and officially inform him that he is persona non grata, and even expel him immediately. Furthermore, if the Iranian infringement continues, there will be a need for a presidential-governmental order against this dangerous incitement, to the point of banning Araghchi and his ilk from entering Lebanon, in addition to appealing to the Arab League and the United Nations to condemn the Iranian interference.
“The time has come for the Lebanese state to have its say, to put an end to the prolonged subordination, and prove to the world that Lebanon will no longer be a card in the hands of any axis and that [the Lebanese state’s] monopoly on weapons [will be] the first step to practical independence.”[29] [1] In the decision, that followed prolonged discussion and pressures both inside and outside Lebanon, the Lebanese government underlined the need to “gradually end the armed presence of all non-governmental elements, including Hizbullah, throughout the territory of Lebanon – south and north of the Litani River.” It instructed the Lebanese armed forces to submit a plan for implementing this decision by the end of August 2025. Pcm.gov.lb/Library/Files/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A9%205%20%D8%A7%D8%A8%202025.pdf.
[2] Following an August 5, 2025 government meeting at which the government instructed the Lebanese army to draft a plan to disarm Hizbullah – a meeting at which two Hizbullah ministers walked out – Hizbullah announced that it effectively had no intention of complying with the order and that it would “treat it as if it did not exist.” Alahednews.news, August 6, 2025. [3] Nidaa Al-Watan (Lebanon), August 13, 2025. [4] Iran’s allies in Lebanon, namely Hizbullah and the Amal movement, as well as the Palestinian terror organizations Hamas an Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), sent their own delegations to welcome Larijani, at their own discretion, in addition to several dozen supporters. [5] Al-Nahar (Lebanon), August 13, 2025. [6] Al-Nahar (Lebanon), August 13, 2025. [7] Al-Nahar (Lebanon), August 13, 2025. [8] Alahednews.news, August 13, 2025. [9] During a different Lebanese government meeting discussing disarming Hizbullah, Hizbullah secretary general Naim Qassem clarified in a speech that his organization would not give up its weapons. He said that armed resistance to Israel was anchored in the Lebanese constitution and that this could be abrogated only “with a broad consensus” that does not currently exist. Alahednews.news, August 5, 2025. [10] Almayadeen.net, August 6, 2025. [11] Hizbullah actually was not known at this time; it was officially established in 1982. [12] A few months after Abu Muhammad Al-Joulani, the leader of the designated terrorist Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) organization, seized power in Syria and reverted to his birth name, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the U.S. recognized his rule, lifted the decades-long sanctions on Syria and removed the HTS from its terror list. In exchange, according to reports, Al-Sharaa committed to meeting certain conditions such as cooperation with the international coalition fighting ISIS and giving the U.S. freedom to carry out attacks in Syria. It was also reported that the U.S. is mediating between Al-Sharaa and Israel, and that Al-Sharaa and Israeli officials have held talks. [13] Tasnim news agency (Iran), August 9, 2025. [14] Tasnim news agency (Iran), August 7, 2025. [15] ISNA news agency (Iran), August 10, 2025. [16] X.com/mofalebanon1, August 7, 2025. [17] X.com/mofalebanon1, August 9, 2025. [18] Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London), August 7, 2025. [19] Alarabiya.net, August 12, 2025. [20] X.com/RKouyoumjian, August 7, 2025. [21] X.com/PierreBouAssi, August 7, 2025. [22] The Iranian regime refers to the U.S. as “the Great Satan.” [23] Xcom/charlesjabbour, August 6, 2025. [24] Al-Nahar (Lebanon), August 11, 2025. [25] X.com/samygemayel/status/1953198228117307506, August 6, 2025. [26] X.com/hadimashmoushi, August 7, 2025. [27] X.com/NAIMRami, August 7, 2025. [28] X.com/charlesjabbour/status/1954420892387164242, August 10, 2025. [29] Nadaa Al-Watan (Lebanon), August 8, 2025.
