According to an April 7 report by Al Arabiya, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that disarming Hezbollah must be achieved through dialogue, underscoring the growing demand for reforms and a national security strategy in Lebanon. During his meeting with a delegation from the American Task Force for Lebanon (ATFL), President Aoun emphasized, “There should be no weapons or armed groups outside the framework of the state.”
He further announced that the government would soon begin drafting a national security strategy, which would include a comprehensive defense strategy aimed at consolidating state control over all weapons.
According to Al Arabiya, the United States continues to pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah as a prerequisite for receiving financial aid. Edward Gabriel, head of the American delegation, conveyed Washington’s message that the disarmament of Hezbollah and the implementation of necessary reforms are essential for Lebanon’s progress.
#Iran News: #Lebanese Leader Declares Tehran’s Regional Influence Is Crumblinghttps://t.co/BlH52x8ECt
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“There is still much to be accomplished,” Gabriel said. “The faster these changes are implemented, the quicker we can assist you.”
The report highlights that Hezbollah, backed by the clerical regime in Iran, has faced growing challenges as Lebanese authorities increasingly assert the importance of state sovereignty over all weapons. Al Arabiya noted that Washington has made it clear that U.S. support for Lebanon hinges on progress toward these reforms.
Additionally, regional observers believe that Tehran’s influence in Lebanon is waning as its traditional proxies lose foothold and local leaders prioritize national stability over allegiance to Tehran. The Lebanese president’s comments reflect a broader trend of weakening Iranian influence in the region.
This comes as Iran struggles with economic hardship and internal dissent, exacerbating its inability to project power abroad. As the regime loses control over its regional proxies and battles escalating internal crises, its hold on power appears increasingly fragile.