Lebanon Rejects Iranian Interference Amid Hezbollah Disarmament Dispute

Lebanon's government, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has firmly rejected foreign interference, particularly opposing Iran's objections to the Lebanese plan to disarm Hezbollah. Despite Iran's diplomatic efforts, including a visit by senior official Ali Larijani who was greeted by Hezbollah supporters, Lebanon's leadership insists on the disarmament framework, emphasizing that no faction can maintain weapons with foreign backing. Hezbollah, which remains a significant political and military force, views disarmament as a grave threat, with its leaders and Iranian allies warning against weakening its arsenal amid ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations and recent conflicts. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have increased political and economic pressures on Lebanon, conditioning aid on Hezbollah's disarmament, while regional experts gathered at an Iran-hosted roundtable to discuss the implications of these pressures on Lebanon's sovereignty and security. The situation highlights deep regional tensions, with Hezbollah positioned as a key defender of Lebanon against Israeli aggression and foreign influence. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue elsewhere in the region, such as a rare meeting between Syrian and Israeli officials to discuss ceasefire restoration.