Lebanon, Iran Clash Over Hezbollah Disarmament Amid Interference Claims

Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have firmly rejected foreign interference amid Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Larijani's visit to Beirut, following Lebanon's government plan to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah group by the end of 2025. While Iran opposes the disarmament plan, Larijani asserted that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs and accused the United States of dictating the plan, emphasizing that any decision should come from internal dialogue between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. Hezbollah, which suffered significant losses in last year's conflict with Israel and lost key regional allies, has refused to recognize the disarmament plan, maintaining its armed status as part of the so-called resistance against Israel. Lebanese officials stressed the importance of sovereignty and rejected the use of foreign backing as leverage, calling for mutual respect and cooperation that includes all Lebanese communities rather than just one religious sect. Larijani also expressed Iran's willingness to support Lebanon's reconstruction and called for friendly cooperation rather than imposed orders, insisting on the value of Hezbollah's resistance and criticizing attempts to mix Lebanon's friends and enemies. The visit highlights the shifting power dynamics in Lebanon, with Hezbollah’s influence waning amid regional conflicts and international pressures.