Iraqis demonstrating in solidarity with Hezbollah, after an announcement — later described as an error — stating that the party had been sanctioned by Baghdad, Dec. 5, 2025. (Credit: Murtadha Ridha/AFP)
Iran reaffirmed Sunday that Tehran does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs and that Hezbollah is free in its decisions and policies, responding to comments made the previous day by Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji.
This response from Tehran marks a new chapter in the tense exchanges between the head of Lebanese diplomacy and Iran, ever since the Lebanese government committed to disarming the party.
In his daily press briefing, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry responded to a question about Rajji's alleged refusal to visit Tehran and accused Iran of interference.
The spokesperson called these accusations “completely misplaced.” “We do not intervene in Lebanon’s internal affairs,” Esmail Baghaei stressed. He explained Tehran’s position as being motivated by its “concern for peace and security in the region,” and said that Iran only expresses its “position” on the threat posed by Israel.
Hezbollah is 'deeply rooted and influential'
"Hezbollah is a deeply rooted and influential institution within Lebanese society, and it defines its own actions and policies,” the spokesperson added, after Rajji declared Saturday that handing over Hezbollah’s weapons to Lebanese authorities depended on an Iranian decision.
“Decisions regarding Lebanese affairs, especially defense strategy, must be made through inter-Lebanese dialogue and in consultation with the different components of Lebanon,” Baghaei emphasized, adding that the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons is “a matter that Lebanon itself, including Hezbollah, must address.”
The government decided on Aug. 5 to commit to reclaiming the monopoly on weapons. To do this, it tasked the army with drafting a plan, which was approved a month later.
The Lebanese Army is currently working south of the Litani River, in the border area with Israel, to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure there. Hezbollah does not oppose this, but rejects any complete disarmament elsewhere in the country.
Baghaei also indicated that his country is “fully prepared to discuss bilateral relations with the Lebanese authorities.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi had invited Rajji to come to Lebanon, to which the Lebanese foreign minister responded he had decided not to go to Iran “under the current circumstances,” while nonetheless declaring himself ready to meet his counterpart in a third country.
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