Lebanon Reprimands Iran Envoy Over Hezbollah Disarmament Comments

Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, after he publicly described efforts to disarm Hezbollah as a 'conspiracy,' sparking rare diplomatic tension between the two nations. Lebanese officials criticized Amani's comments as direct interference in internal affairs and emphasized the need for foreign diplomats to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and adhere to diplomatic protocols. The dispute comes amid increased pressure to disarm Hezbollah following its recent conflict with Israel, with President Joseph Aoun expected to initiate sensitive talks on the group's arsenal—a topic long considered untouchable due to Hezbollah's political influence. In response to the backlash, Amani later stated that the decision on Hezbollah’s disarmament ultimately rests with the Lebanese government and expressed Iran's commitment to whatever Lebanese parties agree upon. This incident marks an unusual public rebuke of Iran by Lebanon, underlining shifting dynamics in Lebanese politics as the state asserts more control over the disarmament debate.