Statements made by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the Lebanese government’s decision to confine weapons to state control sparked a wave of angry and condemnatory reactions in Lebanon, with some even calling for the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador.
Araghchi stated that attempts to disarm Hezbollah are not new: “Such steps were taken in the past, and the reason is clear.”
He added, “Recently, based on the perception that Hezbollah has weakened, some have tried once again to push forward the disarmament project. The firm stance of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General and the issuance of a strong statement showed that this movement will withstand the pressure and not back down.”
He continued: “According to available information, Hezbollah has repaired the damage from the last war, reorganized its ranks, redeployed its forces, and replaced its leaders. The organization possesses the necessary capabilities to defend itself.”
He emphasized that the final decision on the next steps belongs to Hezbollah itself, and that while Iran supports it, it does so without interfering in its decisions.
In response to Araghchi’s remarks, Kataeb Party leader MP Sami Gemayel wrote on X:
“Iran’s Foreign Minister is the last person who has the right to lecture the Lebanese government. Let him focus on his own country and leave us to fix what they destroyed in ours. Your guardianship is over, for good. These remarks must no longer go unchallenged.”
He added: “I hope the Foreign Minister summons the Iranian ambassador tomorrow as a first step toward expelling him.”
MP Waddah Sadek simply wrote: “None of your business.”
Former Minister Richard Kouyoumjian said:
“The Lebanese government’s decision to disarm all militias, including Hezbollah—the Lebanese branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard—is none of your concern. Focus on Iran’s internal issues and leave us alone. You’ve already done enough damage to our country. That’s enough.”
MP Pierre Bou Assi also commented on X:
“Araghchi, on the anniversary of Hiroshima, seems intent on destroying Lebanon. Your Excellency, focus on rebuilding what was destroyed in Iran, which stands by watching Gaza and Lebanon being demolished.”
The Lebanese Cabinet had earlier decided to continue discussions on the American proposal on Thursday and tasked the Lebanese army with preparing an implementation plan to disarm all militias before the end of the year, to be presented to the government by August 31 for debate and approval.
(Source: An-Nahar Newspaper)