Lebanon and Iran Discuss Friendship and Support Without Interference, President Aoun Confirms

Lebanon’s President, Michel Aoun, during a meeting with Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, emphasized Beirut’s interest in cooperation with Tehran within the framework of national sovereignty and a friendship based on mutual respect.

According to Saed News citing ISNA, President Aoun hosted Larijani on Wednesday and stated, “Lebanon is interested in cooperating with Iran within the framework of national sovereignty and a friendship based on mutual respect.”

The Lebanese presidency’s statement continued that Aoun noted that the recent tone from some Iranian officials had not been helpful, and that the friendship Lebanon seeks with Iran should bring the two countries closer together not through a single Lebanese group or faction but with all Lebanese people.

He added that Lebanon is ultimately the homeland of all its citizens, both Christian and Muslim, and that the Lebanese government has a duty to support all groups in the country through its constitutional and security institutions.

Aoun also stressed opposition to any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs by any party, emphasizing the country’s desire to remain safe and stable so that the interests of all Lebanese citizens are served without discrimination. Lebanon, which has never interfered in the affairs of any other country, including Iran, and respects others’ privacy, will not accept anyone interfering in its internal matters.

He further underscored that all Lebanese have paid a heavy price for requests for foreign support against other Lebanese, and the lesson learned is that no party should be allowed, without exception, to carry arms or seek foreign support.

The President added that the Lebanese government and armed forces are responsible for the security of all citizens without exception, and any challenge from Israel or other adversaries threatens all Lebanese, not just one group, and the most important tool to confront such threats is national unity.

During the meeting, Larijani conveyed greetings from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to Aoun, renewed an invitation for the Lebanese president to visit Tehran, and expressed Tehran’s willingness to assist in Lebanon’s reconstruction.

The statement noted that Larijani emphasized Iran’s interest in strengthening relations with Lebanon’s government and people at all levels, praised Aoun’s role in promoting national unity among all Lebanese groups and sectors, and affirmed that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs. He stressed that his statements upon arrival in Beirut reflected the official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Larijani concluded by highlighting Iran’s desire to maintain strong friendship and relations with Lebanon’s government and people, and affirmed that Tehran is ready to assist Lebanon if the government wishes.