Resistance Rules the Hearts and Cannot Be Erased by a Decree
WANA (Aug 13) – Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council stressed that “Iran has no role in Lebanon’s decision-making,” adding: “Hezbollah is an authentic movement; resistance rules the hearts and cannot be eliminated by issuing a decree.”
Ali Larijani, who is visiting Beirut, made these remarks after meeting with Nabih Berri, Speaker of Lebanon’s Parliament, during a press conference.
Expressing his pleasure at being in Lebanon, Larijani said: “Iran’s strength lies in the national solidarity we have. Our power comes from a deep popular revolution—one of the greatest people’s revolutions in history. We have never looked at our friends as tools. We believe the resistance has deep awareness and broad vision; it does not need guidance.”
Ali Larijani and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Social media/ WANA News Agency
Other Countries Should Not Dictate to Lebanon
Regarding the Lebanese government’s plan—under U.S. and Israeli pressure—to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, Larijani said: “Countries outside Lebanon should not dictate to it. The Lebanese are a mature nation and can decide for themselves. Any decision reached in consultation with Hezbollah will be acceptable to us. The timetable was part of a paper brought by the Americans. The Lebanese government can make its decisions in consultation with the resistance.”
On the purpose of his trip to Iraq and Lebanon, he explained: “For Iran, the key point is that regional governments be strong and independent. They do not need instructions from across the seas. That’s why our agreement with Iraq was based on having joint cooperation for the stability of both countries. Our position is simple: every country has the right to decide its own future. We did not bring a plan for Lebanon—but the Americans brought you a plan. We say: decide for yourselves. We do not interfere in Lebanon’s decision-making.”
Resistance Is Lebanon’s National Asset—and That of the Entire Islamic World
“Who attacked your country? Was it not Israel?” Larijani said. “Be careful not to let Israel impose something on you through other means—what it could not achieve in war, it should not achieve through political pressure. Do not confuse friend and foe. The resistance is your national asset, and the national asset of all Islamic countries. They want to use propaganda to swap the places of friend and enemy. Your enemy is Israel, which attacked you. Your friend is the one who stood up to Israel—value them.”
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
Asked why he did not meet Lebanon’s foreign minister, he replied: “My time on this trip was limited.”
No Intention to Interfere in Lebanon’s Affairs
When asked if Iran would assist Lebanon in case of another Israeli attack, Larijani said: “If the Lebanese government asks us for help, we will provide it.”
“I am responsible for my country’s national security,” he added. “I can say explicitly that Iran has no intention of interfering in the affairs of other countries, including Lebanon. If the Lebanese government consults with all its factions and reaches an agreement, we will support it.”
He noted: “Those who interfere in Lebanon’s affairs are the ones who bring you a plan from thousands of kilometers away and set a timetable for its implementation.”
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
Speaking about his meeting with the Lebanese parliament speaker, he said: “Mr. Nabih Berri is an old friend. I was Speaker of Iran’s Parliament for 12 years and interacted with him throughout. Today, he is one of Lebanon’s capable politicians. I also met with the president and some other politicians. In these meetings, I stated my views clearly. The president told me that they know Iran is a friend of Lebanon, and I replied that as Lebanon’s friend, we have no intention to interfere in its affairs—but we will not withhold any help you request.”
Value the Resistance
“We have always advised: value the resistance,” Larijani emphasized. “You remember that Israel once took Beirut in a single day. At that time, there was no Hezbollah. But today, Hezbollah stands against an even more aggressive Israel. We are your friends and we urge you to value your friends.”
Regarding Iran’s role in Lebanon’s reconstruction, he said: “We will help Lebanon as much as we can. We have already provided some assistance. But the Lebanese government must create the conditions for various countries to help.”
The arrival of Ali Larijani, in Beirut . Social media/ WANA News Agency
Answering other questions from reporters, he remarked: “It is not necessary to resolve all of Islam’s issues in this session.”
When asked if Iran would support Hezbollah in possible future clashes, he replied: “Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have a precise understanding of the situation and will not move toward what you might imagine. We see a good future for Lebanon.”
