Iran’s government has issued an emphatic pledge to support Lebanon in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence in response to what they perceive as Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Their announcement coincides with calls by Iranian officials for non-interference in Lebanese internal affairs amid increasing international and domestic pressure over Hezbollah disarmament efforts. IRNA English reported. At an Iranian Foreign Ministry press briefing, Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated, “Our position regarding recent developments is clear and proven – we stand firmly by Lebanon’s territorial integrity, unity, and independence.” He underlined Lebanon’s right “to defend itself against an evil Zionist regime”, asserting that such defense necessitated military capability and weapons; further asserting that Hezbollah-related discussions fall within Lebanon’s domestic jurisdiction rather than Iran’s. NCR Iran +5 IRNA English +5 Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made clear his support does not amount to interference during his June visit to Beirut, when he stressed the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are of great significance – they consider supporting Lebanon at all stages “support of a friendly country for its friends in Lebanon.” Jerusalem Post | Iran International | PressTV. Araghchi’s visit, seen as the start of a new diplomatic chapter with Lebanon, included high-level meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. During these encounters he called for greater bilateral cooperation in post-war reconstruction as well as non-interference in internal affairs of Lebanon. TRT Global (+1), Reuters (+5), NCR Iran (+5). Context and Regional Implications Lebanon has witnessed its internal debate on Hezbollah disarmament increase under pressure from both Washington and internal reformist factions, accelerating in early August when its cabinet ordered the army to prepare a plan that centralizes weapon control under state authority; effectively targeting Hezbollah arsenal. Financial Times +5 Hezbollah has strongly opposed Israel’s initiative as an act of disarmament before full withdrawal from Lebanese territory is complete, declaring it as a grave sin and demanding disarmament only after this occurs. Reuters plus 4 and AP News +4 have reported on this. At Araghchi’s June trip, Lebanese officials replied that true Iranian respect must translate to support only for state institutions – an indication of external pressure on Hezbollah’s role. These comments came during Iran News Update by NCR Iran as well as from AP News. +6 Baqaei rejected accusations of interference, noting that protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty did not contradict the principle of nonintervention. @WKL@ LWTny@ LLlm @+1 W Iran’s recent statements cast it in a favorable light as protectors of Lebanon’s statehood and rights, even while regional and international actors push for stronger government control over all armed groups in Lebanon. Tehran also uses messaging as a means to preserve its influence in a postwar Middle East environment where Lebanon seeks legitimacy and reconstruction support.
