Iran’s newly appointed head of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, will visit Iraq on Monday to sign a bilateral security agreement before travelling to Lebanon, where the government recently approved a plan to disarm Tehran’s ally, Hezbollah.
According to Iranian state television, the three-day trip will be Larijani’s first foreign mission since assuming office last week. “Ali Larijani departs today (Monday) for Iraq and then Lebanon on a three-day visit, his first foreign trip since taking office last week,” the broadcaster reported.
In Lebanon, Larijani is scheduled to meet senior government officials and other influential figures, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Beirut over the disarmament move. Iran has strongly opposed the plan, describing it as a threat to Lebanese sovereignty — a position the Lebanese government has condemned as “flagrant and unacceptable interference.”
“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,” Larijani told state TV before departing.
“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,” he added.
Tehran’s objection to the disarmament plan was echoed by Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, who on Saturday described the move as yielding “to the will of the United States and Israel.”
The Lebanese government’s push to strip Hezbollah of its weapons follows last year’s war between the group and Israel, which left Hezbollah — once a dominant political and military force — significantly weakened. The decision also comes amid pressure from Washington, anti-Hezbollah political factions in Lebanon, and fears of further Israeli strikes if the group remains armed.
Larijani’s appointment to head Iran’s Supreme National Security Council was announced after a 12-day war with Israel, which began in mid-June when Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran, targeting military, nuclear, and residential sites. The Council is tasked with formulating Iran’s defence and security policies, subject to approval by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
AFP
