Iran’s Security Chief to visit Lebanon amid Hezbollah disarmament tensions

Ali Larijani, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, began a three-day diplomatic visit on Monday, first traveling to Iraq before heading to Lebanon, where the government recently approved a controversial plan to disarm Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally.

According to Iranian state media, Larijani’s visit marks his first foreign trip since taking office last week. In Iraq, he is set to sign a bilateral security agreement before continuing to Lebanon for meetings with senior government officials and influential figures.

Larijani addressed the visit’s goals prior to departure, stating, “Our cooperation with the Lebanese government is long and deep. We consult on various regional issues. In this particular context, we are talking to Lebanese officials and influential figures in Lebanon.”

He emphasized Iran’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, saying, “In Lebanon, our positions are already clear. Lebanese national unity is important and must be preserved in all circumstances. Lebanon’s independence is still important to us and we will contribute to it.”

The visit comes amid strong Iranian opposition to Beirut’s recent decision to disarm Hezbollah, a stance condemned by Lebanon as “flagrant and unacceptable interference.” On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei framed Larijani’s trip as “aim[ing] to contribute to the maintenance of peace in the Middle East region.”

Baqaei reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon’s “right to defend itself against the aggression of the Zionist regime,” adding that this defense “would be impossible without military capabilities and weapons.”

Hezbollah, which played a major role in resisting 'Israel's' occupation of southern Lebanon until 2000, remains more heavily armed than the Lebanese army.

Iranian senior advisor Ali Akbar Velayati condemned the disarmament plan on Saturday, calling it compliance “to the will of the United States and Israel.”

Larijani’s appointment at the Supreme National Security Council came shortly after a 12-day war between 'Israel' and Iran in June, triggered by an unprecedented 'Israeli' strike on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The council, which sets Iran’s defense and security policies, operates under the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.