Iran’s top security chief, Ali Larijani, has vowed that Tehran will keep supporting Lebanon despite government moves to disarm Hezbollah.
His remarks came during a visit to Beirut on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
Larijani’s trip followed a Lebanese government order to the army to prepare a disarmament plan for Hezbollah.
Iran strongly opposes the move.
The group, which fought a war with Israel last year, was long believed to have more firepower than the Lebanese military.
Speaking to reporters at Beirut’s airport, Larijani said Iran would stand by Lebanon through all challenges. “If the Lebanese people are suffering, we in Iran will also feel this pain.
We will stand by the dear people of Lebanon in all circumstances,” he stated.
Dozens of Hezbollah supporters lined the airport road to welcome him. Many waved flags and chanted slogans. Larijani briefly stepped out of his convoy to greet them.
During his visit, he is set to meet President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally.
Iran’s influence in the region has faced several setbacks in recent months. The June war with Israel, which lasted 12 days, dealt heavy blows to its regional standing.
Hezbollah’s political clout in Lebanon has also weakened since the November 2024 ceasefire.
The new Lebanese government, backed by the United States, has pushed to further limit Hezbollah’s power.
The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December severed a key arms route between Iran and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah remains part of Iran’s “axis of resistance,” which includes Hamas in Gaza and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. These groups are united in opposition to Israel.
Iran has condemned the Lebanese government’s disarmament plan as dangerous. Hezbollah has called it a “grave sin,” warning it could destabilize the country.
As tensions rise, Larijani’s visit underscores Iran’s determination to maintain its influence in Lebanon. It also signals Tehran’s unwillingness to back down in its confrontation with Israel and its allies.