BEIRUT – Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty by declaring that no group within the country is permitted to bear arms independently or rely on foreign backing. His statement came during a high-profile meeting on Wednesday with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s top security body, shortly after the Lebanese cabinet approved objectives aligning with a U.S.-proposed roadmap to disarm the Iran-affiliated Hezbollah militia.
President Aoun warned against foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, emphasizing that while Lebanon remains open to cooperation with Iran, such ties must respect national sovereignty and mutual respect. Ali Larijani echoed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, asserting that Iran respects decisions taken by the Lebanese government in consultation with “the resistance,” a reference to Hezbollah. He added, however, that Iran did not bring any plans to Lebanon and criticized the U.S. for dictating disarmament timelines and conditions.
The disarmament proposal, submitted by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, seeks to formally disarm Hezbollah, which has consistently rejected calls to relinquish its weapons despite substantial losses in last year’s conflict with Israel. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group founded in 1982, has long been stronger than Lebanon’s official army and is deeply intertwined with Iran, both politically and militarily.
Lebanese officials face a complex challenge: implementing a disarmament plan that aims to unify all armed groups under state control by year’s end, while managing Hezbollah’s political weight and regional dynamics. The group vehemently opposes disarmament efforts, considering itself a critical component of Lebanon’s defense against Israel.
Aoun stressed that protecting all Lebanese citizens is the state’s responsibility and criticized some recent Iranian remarks as unhelpful to Lebanon’s delicate balance. Meanwhile, Larijani urged Lebanon not to confuse its enemies with its friends, branding Israel as the enemy and Hezbollah’s resistance as a valuable asset to Lebanese sovereignty.
The cabinet decision marks a significant shift, signaling Lebanon’s intent to confront Hezbollah’s military status officially. Yet, Hezbollah’s resistance and the realities of Lebanon’s sectarian divisions underscore the precariousness of this path, with the government cautiously navigating between external pressures and internal stability.
This ongoing debate follows the devastating 2023 war, which severely weakened Hezbollah but did not break its hold on the Lebanese political and military landscape. As Lebanon moves forward with the disarmament roadmap, the coming months will test the resilience and unity of the Lebanese state amid competing regional influences and the enduring shadow of the Iran-backed militia.