The head of Iran‘s top security body, Ali Larijani, will visit Iraq on Monday before heading to Lebanon, where the government has approved a plan to disarm Tehran’s ally Hezbollah, state media reported. According to state television, “Ali Larijani departs today (Monday) for Iraq and then Lebanon on a three-day visit, his first foreign trip since taking office last week.” Larijani will sign a bilateral security agreement in Iraq before heading to Lebanon, where he will meet senior Lebanese officials and figures.
The trip to Lebanon comes after Tehran expressed strong opposition to a Lebanese government plan to disarm Hezbollah, a stance condemned by Beirut as a “flagrant and unacceptable interference”. Larijani told state TV before departing that “Our cooperation with the Lebanese government is long and deep. We consult on various regional issues. In this particular context, we are talking to Lebanese officials and influential figures in Lebanon”
Larijani emphasized the importance of preserving Lebanese national unity and independence, saying that “Lebanese national unity is important and must be preserved in all circumstances. Lebanon’s independence is still important to us and we will contribute to it.” The disarmament push followed last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah, which left the group weakened.
On Saturday, Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, described the plan to disarm Hezbollah as compliance “to the will of the United States and Israel”. The plan also comes amid pressure from the United States and anti-Hezbollah parties in Lebanon, as well as fears Israel could escalate its strikes if the group remains armed.
Larijani’s visit to Lebanon is significant, given the country’s complex security dynamics and the importance of Hezbollah as a regional player. As the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Larijani will play a key role in shaping the country’s defence and security strategy, subject to approval by the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.