WANA (Aug 13) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met on Wednesday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during his official visit to Lebanon.

 

Upon arrival at Beirut Airport, Larijani told reporters that “we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon under all circumstances” and announced plans to meet senior officials and a number of Lebanese experts. Describing Iran–Lebanon relations as rooted in cultural ties, he added, “If one day the people of Lebanon suffer, we in Iran will feel that pain as well.” He also thanked Nabih Berri for facilitating the arrangements for his visit.

The arrival of Ali Larijani, in Beirut . Social media/ WANA News Agency

The arrival of Ali Larijani, in Beirut . Social media/ WANA News Agency

According to Lebanese media, Larijani left the Baabda Palace after his talks with the Lebanese president without making any public statement, and then headed to Ain el-Tineh for a meeting with Berri. His visit came after receiving a warm welcome at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport.

 

Following his meeting with Larijani, the President of Lebanon emphasized:

“Lebanon is willing to cooperate with Iran within the framework of sovereignty and a friendship based on mutual respect. The Lebanese government and its armed forces are responsible for the security of all Lebanese people, and any challenge—whether arising from Israel or elsewhere—is a challenge to all Lebanese. No party, without exception, is permitted to carry weapons or seek foreign support, and we oppose any interference in the country’s internal affairs by any side. We seek for Lebanon to remain a safe and stable arena.”

 

Speaking to An-Nahar newspaper, Berri downplayed some of the controversy surrounding Larijani’s trip, saying, “Brothers, calm down. Iran is a friendly country to Lebanon, and given its active role in the region, it will remain our friend.”

Warm public and official welcome of Ali Larijani, as groups of Lebanese citizens gathered along the roads leading to Beirut International Airport, waving Iranian and Lebanese flags in greeting. Social Media / WANA News Agency

A warm public and official welcome awaited Ali Larijani, as groups of Lebanese citizens gathered along the roads leading to Beirut International Airport, waving Iranian and Lebanese flags in greeting. Social Media / WANA News Agency

The Lebanese speaker stressed the need to focus on confronting Israel and its plans against Lebanon, expressing his opposition to the government’s stance on the issue of resistance weapons. He warned that internal disputes should not take precedence over confronting Israeli aggression.

 

According to him, “Hezbollah has never disappeared, and despite all pressures, it remains one of the largest parties in Lebanon,” adding that the country’s affairs cannot be managed by a single political faction or sect alone.