ALWAGHT- Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has stated that, despite Western calls for Hezbollah to disarm, maintaining military strength is vital to safeguarding Lebanon’s inherent right to self-defense.
Iran reiterated its firm support for Lebanon’s independence, territorial integrity, and right to defend itself against Israel, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stressing that such self-defense is impossible without adequate military capabilities. He said Iran’s experience in the region shows that the Israeli regime can only be deterred through sufficient defensive armament. Baghaei emphasized that Lebanon’s security decisions remain its internal matter to be resolved through lawful processes, as the US pressures Beirut to disarm Hezbollah in exchange for a partial Israeli withdrawal.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has announced plans to confine all weapons to state institutions under a new army-led framework by year’s end. Baghaei also commented on regional diplomacy, noting that high-level talks between Iran and Armenia will take place following the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, which he described as a potential turning point for South Caucasus stability. Armenia’s foreign minister has assured Tehran of avoiding actions harmful to Iranian interests.
Baghaei confirmed that talks have begun in Tehran with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in light of Israeli and US aggression against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He criticized the IAEA’s failure to condemn such attacks, calling it unprecedented and unacceptable. Discussions will focus on future Iran-IAEA cooperation, guided by parliamentary directives and the need to safeguard Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Addressing European threats to trigger the JCPOA “snapback” mechanism, Baghaei said it would only further marginalize Europe, as its members have already lost deal privileges by violating commitments. He reaffirmed Iran’s complete lack of trust in the US, citing its role in Israeli aggression during negotiations, and stressed that Iran’s independence relies on domestic capabilities, particularly military strength, alongside proactive diplomacy to protect national interests.
