Source: Kataeb.org
Wednesday 13 August 2025 22:10:27
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday delivered a blunt message to visiting Iranian official Ali Larijani, saying Lebanon will not tolerate interference in its internal affairs and warning that recent comments by senior Iranian figures were a clear breach of diplomatic norms.
Salam met Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, at the Grand Serail, accompanied by the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.
The Lebanese prime minister said statements made in recent days by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the deputy commander of the Quds Force for Iranian Coordination, Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi, were “categorically rejected in both form and substance,” noting that they had directly criticized decisions taken by Lebanon’s constitutional authorities and in some cases implied “explicit threats.”
“These positions represent a flagrant deviation from diplomatic protocol and a violation of the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty, which is the foundation of any sound bilateral relationship and a cornerstone of international relations and international law; this a principle that cannot be compromised,” Salam was quoted as saying.
He stressed that neither he nor any other Lebanese official would “allow ourselves to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, such as by supporting one faction over another or opposing sovereign Iranian decisions. Accordingly, Lebanon will not, under any circumstances, accept interference in its internal affairs and looks forward to a clear and unequivocal commitment by the Iranian side to these rules.”
Salam underscored that Lebanese government decisions “are not up for debate in any other country. The decision-making authority in Lebanon lies with the Council of Ministers, and Lebanon’s course is determined solely by the Lebanese people, who will not accept guardianship or dictation from anyone.”
The prime minister reminded Larijani that placing weapons under the sole authority of the State “is a decision taken by the Lebanese since the adoption of the Taif Agreement in 1989, reaffirmed in the current government's policy statement, and reiterated by the President in his inaugural speech before Parliament.”
“Lebanon was among the first defenders of the Palestinian cause, paying the highest price in confronting Israel, and it does not need lessons from anyone,” Salam said. He vowed the government would continue to use “all political, diplomatic, and legal means available” to compel Israel to withdraw immediately from occupied Lebanese territory and halt its attacks.
He also made clear that “any relationship with Lebanon must go exclusively through its constitutional institutions, not via any political faction or parallel channel,” and said any foreign aid was welcome “provided it is delivered through official channels.”
At the end of the meeting, Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s keenness to preserve its historic ties with Iran and all friendly nations on the basis of mutual respect, while stressing that “the unity of the Lebanese, the sovereignty of their State, and the decisions of their government are red lines that cannot be crossed.”
In an informal chat with reporters afterwards, Salam said: “Lebanon is a small country that has long suffered from the meddling of others, and it is time to turn that page. As the saying goes, the people of Mecca know its paths best. Lebanon will not allow to be used as a platform for settling scores or a venue for regional messages. Our sovereign decisions stem from our national interest, including any plans or timelines.”