Tensions between Lebanon and Iran escalated this week as Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji summoned the Iranian regime’s ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, over controversial comments defending Hezbollah’s right to retain its weapons arsenal. The move, reported by The New Arab, marks a serious diplomatic rebuke amid growing domestic and international pressure on Lebanon to bring all arms under state control.
The dispute erupted after Ambassador Amani posted on X (formerly Twitter) that efforts to disarm Hezbollah were a “trap” orchestrated by “enemy states,” arguing that surrendering weapons had left countries like Iraq, Libya, and Syria vulnerable to foreign invasions. “In the Islamic Republic of Iran, we understand the dangers of this conspiracy,” Amani wrote, “and warn others not to fall into the enemies’ trap.” He added, “Maintaining deterrent capabilities is the first line of defense for sovereignty and independence and must not be compromised.”
His comments echoed recent remarks by Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem, who firmly rejected any attempt to disarm the group. “These weapons gave our people life and freedom,” Qassem said. “We will confront anyone who seeks to disarm us—be it Israel, the U.S., or their agents.”
#Iran News: Lebanese Leader Demands Disarmament of #Hezbollah, Blames Tehran for Undermining Lebanon’s Sovereigntyhttps://t.co/lOp8CUESyw
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 5, 2025
Lebanon’s response was swift. The Foreign Ministry viewed Amani’s statements as unwarranted interference in a matter that directly concerns Lebanese sovereignty and national security. According to Al-Arab, officials described the incident as a “diplomatic escalation” and a violation of protocol, particularly at a time when Lebanon is attempting to unify control over all armed groups within its territory.
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of all militias and the establishment of a buffer zone along the southern border. In contrast, Foreign Minister Raji, aligned with the Christian Lebanese Forces party, has adopted a more confrontational stance, calling for a six-month deadline for Hezbollah to surrender its arms.
#Iran News: Lebanese President Declares Progress on #Hezbollah Disarmament, Signals End to Militia Impunityhttps://t.co/SnvQSb0zuN
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) April 16, 2025
The latest developments come against the backdrop of mounting U.S. and regional demands for Hezbollah’s disarmament—conditions tied to future aid and reconstruction support for Lebanon.
Analysts warn that Tehran’s open defiance of Lebanese disarmament efforts could deepen internal divisions and inflame sectarian tensions. Some fear the diplomatic row may mark a turning point in Beirut–Tehran relations, already strained by previous incidents, including the Iranian regime’s refusal to allow Lebanese planes to return from Tehran earlier this year in response to Beirut blocking an Iranian aircraft from landing.
As diplomatic channels remain tense, Lebanon’s fragile political order is once again being tested by the long-standing dispute over who controls the weapons—and the narrative.