The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, arrived in Beirut on Wednesday morning, reaffirming the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for Lebanon and its people in all circumstances.

Upon his arrival, Larijani stated, "Whenever Lebanon faces any kind of suffering, we feel it in Iran as well, and be assured that we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon under all circumstances," adding added that Iran is always committed "to serve Lebanon’s higher interests."

Additionally, he praised the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, saying, "Iran and Lebanon both have ancient civilizations, and for many centuries, the two countries have enjoyed strong relations and connections. There is solid solidarity between their peoples and cultures."

Larijani noted that his visit includes meetings with senior Lebanese leaders, including the president of the republic, the prime minister, and the speaker of parliament, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

هكذا عبّرت الحشود الشعبية المتجمّعة في محيط مطار بيروت الدولي لاستقبالِ أمين المجلس الأعلى للأمنِ القوميّ في إيران، علي لاريجاني👇#الميادين_لبنان#لبنان pic.twitter.com/jom6tnO696

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) August 13, 2025

Aoun: No party should rely on outside powers

During his meeting with Dr. Ali Larijani, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to fostering cooperation with Iran on the basis of sovereignty, friendship, and mutual respect. He noted, however, that some recent remarks by certain Iranian officials had not been constructive. Aoun stressed that the friendship Lebanon seeks with Iran should not pass through a single sect or political faction, but should embrace all Lebanese.

He underscored that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its citizens, Christians and Muslims alike, and that it is the responsibility of the state, through its constitutional institutions and security forces, to safeguard all communities. He firmly rejected any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs from any side, calling for the Lebanese arena to remain safe and stable in the interest of all citizens without discrimination.

Aoun warned that Lebanon has paid a high price whenever one group has sought foreign support against another. The lesson, he said, is that no party or faction, without exception, should bear arms or rely on outside powers. The state and its armed forces alone are responsible for the security of all Lebanese. Any threats, whether from “Israel” or elsewhere, are challenges for the entire nation, not just for one group, and the strongest weapon in confronting them is unity.

الرئيس عون خلال لقائه الدكتور لاريجاني:

- لبنان راغب في التعاون مع ايران ضمن حدود السيادة والصداقة القائمين على الاحترام المتبادل.
- اللغة التي سمعها لبنان في الفترة الأخيرة من بعض المسؤولين الإيرانيين، غير مساعدة.
- الصداقة التي نريد ان تجمع بين لبنان وايران لا يجب ان تكون من… pic.twitter.com/ixVKS1blcB

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) August 13, 2025

For his part, Dr. Larijani conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, renewed his invitation for President Aoun to visit Tehran, and expressed Iran’s willingness to help Lebanon in its reconstruction efforts.

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He affirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen its relations with the Lebanese state and people in all fields, praising President Aoun’s role in bolstering national unity and fostering cohesion among all Lebanese sects and communities. Larijani stressed that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that his remarks upon arrival in Beirut reflected the official position of the Islamic Republic.

Larijani: Those interfering in Lebanon are ones imposing deadlines

Speaking at a press conference in Ain al-Tineh after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani expressed deep joy for visiting Lebanon, a country he described as enjoying “excellent relations” with Iran at this stage. He praised the Lebanese people as “a shining example” in their steadfast resistance to Israeli occupation, adding that Lebanon’s unity and success are of great importance to Tehran.

“Our policy is built on the principle that countries in the region must be independent and strong,” Larijani said. “Lebanon is capable of making sound decisions, and we wish it prosperity.” He noted that Iran’s own strength stems from the cohesion of its people and the enduring power of the Iranian Revolution.

Larijani stressed that Iran does not view its friends as instruments, but as partners in a shared strategic vision. “The Resistance embodies deep conviction and strong strategic thinking,” he said, underscoring that no country outside Lebanon should dictate orders to it.

“The Lebanese people are proud and courageous, fully capable of making their own decisions. We will fully respect whatever choices they make, and believe that through consultation with the Resistance, Lebanon can reach the best outcomes.”

Reiterating a consistent Iranian message, Larijani emphasized that the nations of the region must be “strong and independent, not taking orders from across the oceans.” He urged the Lebanese to distinguish between friend and foe, describing the Resistance as “an asset for the entire Islamic world.”

Reflecting on Lebanon’s modern history, Larijani pointed out that when “Israel” invaded Lebanon, Hezbollah did not yet exist, but arose in response, confronting the occupation through resistance. He praised both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government for their deep understanding of the current situation, expressing optimism for Lebanon’s future.

“The Resistance Front did not emerge on orders from foreign powers,” Larijani said. “Its history shows it was created to confront foreign intervention, as in Lebanon and Iraq. Lebanon should value the role of the Resistance and of Hezbollah. Those who interfere in Lebanon’s affairs are the ones who impose plans and deadlines. Foreign states should not issue orders to Lebanon, and Tehran does not interfere in its decision-making process.”

Part of a regional tour

Beirut is the second stop in Larijani’s first regional tour since his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on August 5, 2025. His tour began in Baghdad, where Iran and Iraq signed a joint security memorandum of understanding on border coordination, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Larijani stressed the need to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between Tehran and Baghdad, noting that the security agreement offers a framework for deeper cooperation.

Larijani’s visit comes amid heightened tensions in Lebanon over the government’s recent US-backed decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, a move rejected by Hezbollah and Amal ministers, who walked out of a cabinet session in protest.

Iranian officials have strongly opposed the plan to disarm the Resistance. Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, described it as compliance “to the will of the United States and Israel.” While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s rejection of the proposal and affirmed Lebanon’s right to defend itself. 

In his visit to Baghdad, Larijani asserted that the Resistance Front, of which Hezbollah is an integral part, is "part of the heart of the region’s peoples," explaining that "each of its components strives to achieve the aspirations of its own people."

He added that the Resistance Front represents "part of the wealth of the peoples in the region, who are well aware of the current circumstances and fully understand their options," stressing that the front "must be preserved.