Aoun tells Iran: No interference in our affairs, Hezbollah's weapons are a Lebanese matter

(Patrua) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told Al Arabiya that Beirut's message is clear: Iran should not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs.

Aoun said that he directly conveyed this to the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, who visited Beirut last week. He said that Lebanon's relationship with Iran is "based on respect," adding, "Iran is a friendly country, but based on preserving our sovereignty... our message is clear: Iran will not interfere in our affairs."

Aoun also said that the issue of Hezbollah's weapons is a "Lebanese decision and does not concern Iran."

He says the US proposal submitted by envoy Tom Barrack includes "Israeli withdrawal and the revival of the Lebanese economy." He claims Lebanon has two choices: either accept the US document or face isolation. "But we have not received any threats to implement the proposal's conditions," he added.

"We are waiting for Washington to secure Israel's consent to Tom Barrack's plan."
Regarding his relationship with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, Aoun described it as "more than excellent" and said he is open "to discuss any issue, but only within the state's jurisdiction." He said his main priority is "the country's security and stability."

He continued: "We are trying to spare Lebanon any internal or external conflicts, as they have exhausted us." He also stressed that the "Shiite community is an important and influential component of our country. There is no threat to any sect, and I stand by my words."

Aoun welcomed "anyone who wants to help Lebanon without interfering in our affairs." He thanked Saudi Arabia for its support, noting that Riyadh played a role in ending the presidential vacuum in Lebanon. He also emphasized Lebanon's commitment to improving relations with Syria and demarcating the border "under Saudi patronage."

"We will not compromise on our relationship with Saudi Arabia," Aoun said, adding that it dates back to the era of the Kingdom's founder.
On the economy, Aoun said: "Our country is on the path to economic prosperity through the reforms we are implementing."

He stressed that no one is above accountability, noting that the judiciary is working seriously to combat corruption. On the Palestinian issue, Aoun says Lebanon "has not opened the door to any direct dialogue with Israel" and affirmed Lebanon's rejection of the resettlement of Palestinians. Regarding weapons in Palestinian refugee camps, he said: "The decision to disarm the camps was made by the Palestinian Authority itself, but the Iran-Israel conflict and Palestinian considerations have delayed its implementation."

Lebanese political circles are awaiting the arrival of US envoy Tom Barrack and Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who are expected in Beirut with new ideas about a plan to bring all weapons under state control.

The visit comes amid rising tensions following a speech by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, which provoked strong reactions and complicated the political scene.
Qassem accused the government on Friday of "surrendering Lebanon to Israel" with its decision to disarm Hezbollah, warning that this could lead to "civil war." Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned these statements, rejecting what he described as a "veiled threat."

Lebanese authorities have recently taken a firmer stance against Hezbollah and Tehran. Both President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam told Larijani last week that they reject "any interference" in Lebanon's internal affairs, after Iran criticized the disarmament decision.

For the first time in the history of Lebanon-Iran relations, senior Lebanese officials have openly told the Iranian envoy this. Iran remains Hezbollah's main supporter, providing money and weapons.

The government's move, described by Hezbollah's opponents as "historic," was presented as part of the implementation of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US, which ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel on November 27. The decision stipulates that only official Lebanese security and military institutions can carry weapons, Al Arabiya reported.