WANA (Aug 07) – Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in response to recent remarks made by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in support of the resistance.

 

In the statement released Thursday, the ministry rejected and condemned Araghchi’s comments, claiming they constitute a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and stability, and amount to interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs and sovereign decisions.

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister had commented on efforts to disarm Hezbollah, saying: “This is not the first time attempts have been made to disarm Hezbollah and undermine its capabilities. The enemies have witnessed, on the battlefield, what the resistance’s weapons are capable of.”

 

He continued: “They believed that the blows Hezbollah suffered in the war would allow them to push the disarmament agenda forward. However, the firm position taken by Hezbollah’s leader and the statement issued by the group showed their determination to stand firm against such efforts.”

 

“Fortunately, the Amal Movement, affiliated with Mr. Nabih Berri, has shown strong support as well. The Shiite community in Lebanon is at its peak in terms of strength and dignity. To our knowledge, the damage Hezbollah sustained during the war has been repaired, its commanders replaced, and the group now possesses sufficient strength.”

 

Araghchi emphasized: “We support whatever decision Hezbollah makes. We are not interfering in this matter.”

 

In its statement, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated:

 

“Relations between countries must be based solely on mutual respect, equality, non-interference in one another’s internal affairs, and full commitment to decisions made by legitimate governing institutions. It is completely unacceptable to use these relations to support or encourage internal parties operating outside the framework of the state and its institutions, to the detriment of the government.”

 

This statement comes despite repeated assertions by the Islamic Republic of Iran that it supports Lebanon’s unity and internal stability and denies any interference in the country’s internal affairs.

 

At the same time, growing criticism has been directed at the Lebanese government over its recent positions, particularly its push for the disarmament of the resistance, while failing to focus on halting Israeli aggression.

 

In a statement issued yesterday, Hezbollah responded to the government’s moves, declaring that:

 

“The government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has made a major mistake by deciding to disarm Lebanon of its resistance against the Israeli enemy. Such a move weakens Lebanon’s power and stance against continued Israeli and American aggression, and achieves for Israel what it failed to gain through war.”

 

Hezbollah stated that this decision was the result of dictations by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, and warned that: “This decision serves Israeli interests entirely and leaves Lebanon without deterrence in the face of the Israeli enemy.”

 

The group emphasized:

 

“We are open to dialogue, committed to ending Israeli aggression, liberating our occupied land, freeing prisoners, and rebuilding the country. We are also prepared to engage in discussions around a national security strategy. However, Israel must first implement the agreements, and the Lebanese government must prioritize liberating all Lebanese territory from Israeli occupation.”

 

Separately, the Amal Movement also criticized the Lebanese government, stating: “A government that rushes to offer more free concessions to the enemy should have first focused its efforts on establishing a ceasefire and ending the Zionist killing machine that has already martyred and wounded hundreds of Lebanese citizens.”

People walk past a billboard with a picture of the late Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a street

People walk past a billboard with a picture of the late Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a street in Tehran, Iran, October 7, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)