Aoun Draws Red Lines in Talks With Iran’s Larijani, Urges Respect for Sovereignty
“Recent language from some Iranian officials has not been helpful,” President Aoun told Iran’s Larijani.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Wednesday expressed Lebanon’s willingness to cooperate with Iran “within the limits of sovereignty and friendship based on mutual respect,” but cautioned that “recent language from some Iranian officials has not been helpful.” He emphasized that friendship between Lebanon and Iran “should not be through a single sect or Lebanese component, but with all Lebanese.”
Reiterating Lebanon’s position as a “final homeland for all its citizens, Christians and Muslims alike,” Aoun stressed that the Lebanese state, through its constitutional and security institutions, is responsible for protecting all components of society. He firmly rejected “any interference in our internal affairs from any party” and called for Lebanon’s security and stability to serve the interests of all citizens “without discrimination.”
These firm statements came during Aoun's meeting with Ali Larijani, Secretary General of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in Beirut, on Wednesday.
Aoun said Lebanon respects the sovereignty and internal affairs of all nations, including Iran, and expects the same in return. He warned that past reliance on foreign powers against fellow Lebanese had been costly, and underscored that “no party is allowed, without exception, to bear arms and seek support from abroad.”
According to Aoun, any challenges from Israel or other sources are challenges for “all Lebanese, not just one group,” and the strongest weapon against them is national unity.
Larijani conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and renewed an invitation for Aoun to visit Tehran, expressing Iran’s readiness to assist Lebanon in reconstruction efforts. He said Iran wishes to strengthen relations with the Lebanese state and people “at all levels” and praised Aoun’s role in fostering national unity across sects and political groups.
Larijani stressed that Iran “does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs” and that his remarks upon arriving in Beirut reflected the official position of the Islamic Republic. He added that Iran seeks “no disruption in the friendship or relations with Lebanon” and is prepared to provide assistance “if the Lebanese government desires it.”
