Beirut – The visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to Lebanon has stirred heated debate after a statement he posted on his official social media account triggered strong reactions among Lebanese citizens and political observers.
In a message published on X (formerly Twitter), Larijani used Lebanese dialect to stress that Iran had no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of any country, including Lebanon. He further criticized those who, in his words, impose plans and timetables “from thousands of kilometers away,” a remark widely interpreted as a jab at U.S. envoy Tom Barrack.
“I am Iran’s national security chief, and let me say this clearly: Iran has no intention of interfering in the affairs of any country, including Lebanon. The Lebanese state conducts dialogue with all groups and reaches conclusions. Whatever conclusion Lebanon reaches, we will accept. Those who interfere in Lebanon’s affairs are the ones who give you plans and timetables from afar,” Larijani wrote in his post.
تدخّل بشؤون لبنان؟!
أنا مسؤول الأمن القومي بإيران، وبقولها بصراحة: إيران ما إلها أي نيّة تتدخّل بشؤون أي دولة، ومنها لبنان.
الدولة اللبنانيّة بتتحاور مع كلّ الطوايف، وبتوصل لنتيجة، وأي نتيجة بتوصل إلها نحنا منقبل فيها.
اللي بيتدخّل بشؤون لبنان هو اللي بيعطيكن خطّة وجدول زمني من… pic.twitter.com/T7r48NN3Ah— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) August 13, 2025
Despite his assurances, many Lebanese social media users perceived Larijani’s words as undermining the country’s political sovereignty. Analysts suggested that his visit was not merely a diplomatic courtesy but a sign of Tehran’s deeper ambitions to play a larger role in Lebanon’s political landscape.
The controversy intensified after Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Raji, publicly stated that he did not meet with Larijani due to a packed schedule, adding pointedly that even if he had time, he would not have received him.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who did meet Larijani, took a cautious stance. He affirmed that Lebanon remained open to cooperation with Iran within the framework of national sovereignty but firmly rejected any form of foreign interference. Aoun further noted that recent rhetoric from some Iranian officials had not helped foster healthy relations between the two countries.
Larijani’s visit and comments have thus added a new layer of tension to the already complex political dynamics in Lebanon, highlighting the competing influences of regional and international powers in the country’s affairs.
