Despite Iran’s official denial of any attempts to interfere in Lebanon’s affairs, these attempts cannot be concealed, and the relationship between Tehran and Beirut has undeniably impacted both internal and regional arenas. This relationship solidified with the presence of Hezbollah, which has defined itself since the beginning as the Lebanese resistance against occupation and has become a key component in Lebanese politics through its representation in parliament and government.

The Lebanese-Iranian relations have gone through many stages and, as they influenced their regional environment, they were also affected by the rapid changes in the region recently, opening the door to many questions about the future of Iranian influence in Lebanon.

Although none of the officials spoke directly about this influence, the visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, provided answers to these questions summarized in one phrase: “Iranian influence in Lebanon will not end; Iran is strongly present on the Lebanese scene, and Beirut is not Damascus, so Tehran will not allow its complete removal from Lebanon.”

The visit implicitly showed that Tehran wanted to put an end to any scenarios about the end of its role in Lebanon and to confirm that the patience policy it recently adopted is not a sign of weakness but a calculated option that can change. Through veiled messages, Larijani assured allies in Lebanon, foremost among them Hezbollah, that Iran will not abandon them. On the other hand, he also warned regional and international opponents that Tehran will not just watch if it finds its influence in Lebanon under threat of exclusion.

Larijani denied in press statements any attempts by Tehran to interfere in Lebanese decision-making, adding: “Those who interfere in Lebanon’s affairs are the ones dictating plans and deadlines.”

Earlier, Larijani expressed Tehran’s respect for “any decision taken by the Lebanese government with the support of all parties.”

The issue of disarming the Lebanese state dominated the meetings held by Larijani with officials in Beirut, on the sidelines of his participation in commemorating the first anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah’s former secretaries-general Hassan Nasrallah and Hashim Safi al-Din.

Tehran had previously expressed support for Hezbollah’s stance in holding onto its weapons, claiming it protects Lebanon from Israeli aggression.

Larijani’s visit received wide reactions in Lebanon, where Lebanon reiterated its rejection of interference in its internal affairs.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun emphasized rejecting foreign intervention in Lebanon’s internal affairs, not allowing any party to bear arms, or seek external support.

Aoun said everyone paid a heavy price for seeking external support against fellow Lebanese inside the country, noting that the lesson Lebanese draw is that no party, without exception, is allowed to carry weapons or seek external backing.

Larijani’s visit and its objectives cannot be viewed separately from the recent Lebanese cabinet decision to disarm and “end the armed presence across the entire country, including Hezbollah,” and “deploy the Lebanese army in border areas.”

However, Hezbollah, Iran’s ally, announced it would treat the Lebanese government’s decision “as if it does not exist,” accusing it of committing a “major sin” claiming it “gives Israel free rein to tamper with Lebanon’s security.”

Commenting on Larijani’s visit goals, Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, said Lebanon’s message to Larijani is a firm rejection of state kidnapping through investing in specific parties.

Larijani affirmed in statements from Beirut that Hezbollah “is strong and does not need weapons from anywhere,” describing it as “a strong barrier against Israel.”

He added that Tehran “does not issue orders to anyone in Lebanon,” considering Lebanon a friendly country with which Iran consults on all issues.

At the same time, he accused Washington of “trying to sow discord among the Lebanese.”

The senior Iranian official expressed Tehran’s support for Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s call to “open a new page with Saudi Arabia,” urging regional countries to cooperate in facing Israel.

Notably, according to “Lebanon 24,” Larijani linked the Lebanese and Iraqi arenas, indicating through signing a security agreement with Iraq that Iran has wider maneuvering margins in Iraq compared to Lebanon.