Larijani in Beirut: Iran Supports Lebanon and Opposes Disarming Hezbollah

Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, announced during his visit to Beirut that Iran stands by the Lebanese people, marking the first visit by a senior Iranian official after the Lebanese government tasked the army with developing a plan to disarm Hezbollah before the end of the year.

Upon arriving at Beirut Airport, where he was welcomed by a delegation from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, Larijani stated: "If the Lebanese people suffer one day, we in Iran will also feel that pain, and we will stand by the dear Lebanese people in all circumstances." He added: "We will always strive to achieve the national interests of the Lebanese people."

Dozens of Hezbollah supporters gathered on the airport road, chanting in support of the Iranian official, who got out of his car to greet them.

Larijani's visit comes after Iranian statements criticized the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah, which Lebanese officials described as "flagrant interference." Larijani is scheduled to meet with President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in addition to receiving Lebanese and Palestinian figures at the Iranian embassy.

Hezbollah has previously rejected the disarmament decision, describing it as a "great sin," asserting that it will treat it "as if it does not exist." Iran also opposed the decision through Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader, who stated: "Iran certainly opposes the disarmament of Hezbollah, as it has always supported the Lebanese people and the resistance, and continues to do so."

In response, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador, considering the statements "a blatant and unacceptable interference in internal affairs."

Iran has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Hezbollah, supporting it militarily and financially for decades, as the party forms a fundamental pillar in what is known as the "Axis of Resistance" led by Tehran, which includes factions loyal to it in the region.

Before leaving Baghdad, where he signed a security memorandum of understanding with Iraq, Larijani confirmed that "the resistance is an integral part of the fabric of the peoples of the region, and therefore seeks to achieve its interests." He considered that "all efforts should be directed towards preserving this capability."

It is noteworthy that the decision to disarm Hezbollah came amid American pressures and fears of Israeli escalation, especially after recent confrontations between the two sides, which inflicted severe blows to the military and leadership structure of the party.