The Lebanese Foreign Minister cited repeated Iranian attacks on Lebanon as the reason for not meeting with Larijani.
On Wednesday, August 19, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji announced in an interview with Al Arabiya network that during the recent visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic, to Beirut, he refrained from meeting him.
He stated that the reason for this decision was the repeated attacks by Iranian officials on Lebanon and emphasized that the Lebanese government and officials have repeatedly officially informed Iranian officials that any interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs is unacceptable.
In this interview, the Lebanese Foreign Minister emphasized that the government’s decision to confine weapons to official institutions is irreversible and described it as historic regarding the weapons of Lebanese militias.
According to him, Lebanese militias have exploited the Shia sect for political purposes for decades and have usurped this sect’s right to make decisions.
Raji explained about a plan that the Lebanese army has been tasked with drafting to implement the government’s decision, stating that the army may request an additional two weeks to present the plan, but this program will definitely be presented in September 2025.
He also said that the Lebanese government has asked Tom Barrack, the American envoy, to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire agreement reached last November after a year of conflict between Lebanese militias and the Israeli army.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister, referring to the government’s foreign policy, emphasized that the current cabinet was able to restore Lebanon’s position in the Arab environment and the international community and expressed hope that all political factions would join this national project.
During his visit to Beirut, when asked about meeting with the Lebanese Foreign Minister, Larijani said his schedule was tight, but Raji responded by clarifying that even if he had time, he would not meet with him.
These developments occur as the United States, through its envoy to the region, has presented a plan considered the most detailed roadmap for disarming Lebanese militias. However, Lebanese militias continue to oppose handing over weapons and, after last year’s devastating war with Israel, remain steadfast in their position despite internal and external pressures.