Larijani announces Iraq security pact, reaffirms support for Hezbollah

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Aug 2025 13:07

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani will sign a major security agreement with Iraq and carry messages to Lebanon, reaffirming Tehran’s support for Hezbollah as Beirut faces a US-backed disarmament push.

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Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (archive)

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani, announced that Tehran will sign a major security agreement with Iraq as he prepares to launch his regional tour, and will deliver messages to Lebanon reaffirming Iran’s steadfast support for the Resistance movement in the face of mounting disarmament pressures.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Larijani revealed that the agreement with Iraq, described as "very important," will be finalized during his visit to Baghdad. His regional trip includes stops in both Iraq and Lebanon.

He stressed that Tehran “does not follow the approach of certain countries that focus solely on their own security while ignoring the security of other peoples in the region."

"In Iraq, we will hold a series of meetings with friends, officials, and representatives from various political currents. We will listen to their views and present our proposals for strengthening bilateral cooperation," Larijani said.

Additionally, Larijani said he will later travel to Lebanon, calling it "one of the important and influential countries in the region, with which we share strong ties."

He noted that his visit will include delivering official messages and conveying "Iran’s steadfast positions" to Beirut, stressing "the importance of national unity in Lebanon and the need to preserve it under all circumstances." He added, "We also consider Lebanon’s independence to be of great significance."

Iran’s official position on Lebanon

In his weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering position on Lebanon, stressing that Iran supports Lebanon’s sovereignty, the preservation of its independence, and its right to defend its territory against Israeli aggression. He underscored Lebanon’s inherent right to self-defense and to decide its future through its national institutions.

Baghaei noted that regional experience has proven that, in the face of aggression by the Zionist entity, the only viable option for states is to remain fully prepared to defend their land. He added that Larijani’s visits to Iraq and Lebanon are aimed at strengthening regional security and stability amid the latest developments.

Baghaei also condemned what he described as the “brutal crime” committed by the Israeli entity against journalists in Gaza the previous night, labeling it a war crime. He noted that “Israel” has committed such crimes against 240 journalists since the beginning of its ongoing aggression on Gaza.

Disarmament dispute in Lebanon

Larijani’s visit comes amid mounting political tensions in Lebanon, where the government, under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun, recently approved a US-backed plan to place all weapons in Lebanon under state control by the end of 2025.

The decision, taken during a marathon cabinet session on August 5, led Hezbollah and Amal ministers to walk out in protest. The Lebanese Army has until August 31 to present an implementation plan.

That said, Hezbollah strongly condemned the decision, calling it a "grave sin" that undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and "fully serves Israel’s interests."

Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, declared that the movement "will not disarm," warning that any talks on weapons depend on "Israel" withdrawing from occupied Lebanese territory and halting its daily airstrikes.

Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, called the move “suicide” and said, "To say ‘hand over your arms’ is to say ‘hand over your honor.’"

In a speech he delivered on the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Commander Fouad Shokor (Sayyed Mohsen), #Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem praised #GeorgesAbdallah’s release and reaffirmed Lebanon’s, and specifically the Resistance’s, stance against disarmament… pic.twitter.com/3ZRpnTMdXF
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 30, 2025

Iran stands firm against disarmament efforts

Iranian officials have voiced unequivocal support for Hezbollah’s stance, noting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Hezbollah remains "capable of defending itself" and that all decisions about its weapons "lie solely with its leadership."

Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Iran’s Leader, said Tehran "absolutely opposes the disarmament of Hezbollah," describing the move as a product of US and Israeli pressure that will fail just as similar attempts failed in the past..

Larijani’s tour, his first since being appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian on August 5, is expected to focus on shoring up Iran’s regional alliances and reinforcing its opposition to external pressure on allied movements. His Baghdad meetings will advance security cooperation, while his Beirut stop will send a clear signal that Tehran will stand firmly by the Resistance.