Beirut – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun firmly rejected Iranian interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs during a meeting with Iran’s national security chief, Ali Larijani, on August 13, 2025, calling Tehran’s remarks on demilitarizing Hezbollah “unconstructive,” reports 24brussels.
Larijani’s visit comes amid rising internal tensions in Lebanon as the government, supported by the US and Israel, seeks to disarm Hezbollah, a move that has met fierce resistance from both the militant group and Iran. Aoun stated, “We reject any interference in our internal affairs,” emphasizing that “it is forbidden for anyone… to bear arms and to use foreign backing as leverage,” as per a statement from the Lebanese presidency disseminated on X.
Although Larijani’s delegation received a warm welcome from Hezbollah supporters and allies of the Amal Movement, he claimed the visit aimed to bolster Lebanon’s sovereign integrity and national unity. However, the meeting has only deepened the rift between Iranian-aligned factions and those advocating for the country’s autonomy from external influences.
The Lebanese government is progressing towards a formal process of disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025, under significant pressure from the United States. This initiative indicates a pivotal shift in Lebanon’s approach to handling non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah, despite the contentious nature of such steps.
Following governmental backing of a US-supported phased disarmament proposal, the Lebanese army is tasked with devising a comprehensive disarmament strategy. This undertaking faces considerable challenges, notably pushback from Hezbollah and Iran, with Hezbollah ministers and their Shiite allies vocally opposing the government’s agreement to explore such a plan and labeling it a severe misstep.
