Despite Iran’s official denial of any attempts to interfere in Lebanon’s affairs, the relationship between Tehran and Beirut has clearly impacted both internal and regional arenas, especially with the presence of Hezbollah, which has become a key component in Lebanese politics.

The Lebanese-Iranian relations have gone through many phases and have been influenced by rapid regional changes, raising questions about the future of Iranian influence in Lebanon. Ali Larijani’s visit, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, conveyed clear messages that Iranian influence in Lebanon will continue, emphasizing that Beirut is not Damascus and Tehran will not allow its complete removal from Lebanon.

Larijani confirmed that Iran’s recent policy of patience is not a sign of weakness but a calculated choice, and Iran will not abandon its allies in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah. He denied Tehran’s interference in Lebanese decision-making, stating that those who interfere are the ones imposing plans and deadlines.

The issue of disarming the Lebanese state was central to Larijani’s meetings with officials in Beirut, amid Hezbollah’s insistence on retaining its weapons under the pretext of protecting Lebanon from Israeli aggression. Lebanon reiterated its rejection of foreign interference, arms bearing, and seeking external support, with President Michel Aoun emphasizing that no party is allowed to bear arms or seek foreign backing.

The Lebanese cabinet’s recent decision to disarm and deploy the Lebanese army in border areas was rejected by Hezbollah, which called it a “major sin” that would allow Israel to undermine Lebanon’s security.

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, stated Lebanon’s message to Larijani as a rejection of state kidnapping through investment in specific parties. Larijani described Hezbollah as “strong and not needing weapons from anywhere,” calling it a “strong barrier against Israel.” He added that Iran does not issue orders to anyone in Lebanon and considers Lebanon a friendly country with which Iran consults on all issues.

Larijani accused Washington of trying to sow discord among Lebanese people and 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 against Israel.

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