Lebanon Government Plans Hezbollah Disarmament Amid Iran Opposition, US Pressure

Lebanon's government has authorized the army to formulate a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, aiming to establish exclusive state control over weapons as part of a ceasefire implementation following recent conflict with Israel. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, vehemently opposes the move, labeling it a "grave sin" and asserting it will disregard the decision, arguing it undermines Lebanon's sovereignty and serves Israeli interests. Iran's senior adviser to Supreme Leader Khamenei publicly opposed the disarmament, framing it as interference by the US and Israel, which Lebanon's Foreign Ministry and political figures like Bahaa Hariri condemned as unacceptable meddling in Lebanon's internal affairs. The cabinet decision has caused political rifts within Lebanon, with Hezbollah and allied ministers protesting by walking out of meetings, while opponents see disarmament as a step toward restoring state authority. Hezbollah insists Israeli strikes must stop before any further discussions on disarmament occur, highlighting the fragile security situation and ongoing external influence on Lebanon's sovereignty. The situation remains highly contentious, reflecting deep divisions over Lebanon's security and the role of foreign powers in the region.