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Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a close confidant of Supreme Leader Khamenei, arrived in Beirut on Wednesday. During his visit, Larijani met with Hezbollah leaders and other Lebanese officials. However, President Joseph Aoun’s reception of Larijani included some unexpected remarks.
Iran has maintained influence in Lebanon for decades by supporting Hezbollah, a Shia group that faces opposition from many Lebanese citizens. During the meeting with Larijani, President Aoun affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Iran based on sovereignty, friendship, and mutual respect. He also noted that recent comments from some Iranian officials were unhelpful.
President Aoun emphasized that the relationship Lebanon desires with Iran should not be limited to a single sect or political group but should encompass all Lebanese citizens. He underscored that Lebanon is the ultimate homeland for all its citizens, both Christians and Muslims, and it is the state’s responsibility to secure all communities through its constitutional institutions and security forces.
Lebanon rejects any external interference in its internal affairs. President Aoun strongly rejected any external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, and called for Lebanese territory to remain safe and stable for the benefit of all citizens without discrimination.
Aoun cautioned that Lebanon has paid a heavy price whenever one group sought foreign support against another. The lesson, he said, is that, without exception, no party or group should take up arms or depend on external powers.
He stated that the country and its armed forces are responsible for the security of all Lebanese people. Any threat, whether from Israel or elsewhere, is a challenge for the entire country, not just one group, and the strongest weapon to confront it is unity.
Dr. Larijani conveyed greetings from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and invited President Aoun to Tehran. He stated that Iran wants to assist in Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. He affirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen its relations with the Lebanese state and people in all areas and praised President Aoun’s role in strengthening national unity and promoting harmony among all Lebanese sects and communities.
