Lebanon’s political leaders reacted on Wednesday against Tehran’s perceived meddling in the country’s internal debates over Hezbollah’s disarmament, following comments from a top Iranian official.
The dispute erupted with an interview by Ali Akbar Velayati, senior foreign policy adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said that the existence of Hezbollah is more important than food for Lebanon.
“Given Israel’s desire to kill and plunder other lands today, Hezbollah’s existence is more essential than bread and water for Lebanon,” Tasnim News cited Velayati.
Lebanon Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi responded to such statement, addressing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“I truly wished to believe that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs, until I saw Mr. Velayati’s statement,” Raggi posted on X.
“What is more important than water and bread for us is our sovereignty, freedom, and independent decision-making, far from ideological slogans and cross-border agendas that have destroyed our country and continue to push us toward ruin,” he added.
‘Focus on people in Iran’
Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea joined the fray, addressing Ali Khamenei and Velayati, calling on them to move their attention to the needs of people in Iran.
“If you cared about the sorrows of the Iranian people, that would be better for all of us. Lebanon is an independent state with its constitution and democratically elected authorities; you have no right to interfere in its affairs.” Geagea posted on X.
“If only the Iranian people enjoyed what the Lebanese do when you don’t meddle in their affairs,” he added.
Lebanon's government, backed by UN Resolution 1701, pushes for Hezbollah to surrender weapons nationwide for state control.
Hezbollah insists it will only relinquish arms south of the Litani River once Israel fully withdraws and stops violations.
Tehran views surrender of Hezbollah’s weapons as capitulation to the US and Israel, and continues to fund and rearm the group.
