Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has told Al Arabiya in an interview that Beirut’s message is clear: Iran should not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
Aoun said that he conveyed this directly to Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, who visited Beirut last week. He said Lebanon’s relationship with Iran “is based on respect,” adding: “Iran is a friendly state, but on the basis of preserving our sovereignty ... our message is clear: Iran will not interfere in our affairs.”
The president also stressed that the question of Hizbollah’s weapons “is a Lebanese decision and does not concern Iran.”
Aoun said the US proposal delivered by envoy Tom Barrack included “Israeli withdrawal and the revival of Lebanon’s economy.” He explained that Lebanon had two choices: either accept the American paper or face isolation. “But we did not receive any threats to implement the proposal’s terms,” he added. “We are waiting for Washington to secure Israel’s approval of Tom Barrack’s plan.”
On his relationship with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Aoun described it as “more than excellent” and said he was open “to discussing any issue, but only under the authority of the state.” He stressed that his top priority was “ensuring the country’s security and stability.”
He continued: “We are trying to spare Lebanon any internal or external conflicts, because they have exhausted us.” He also emphasised that “the Shia community is an essential and influential component of our country. There is no threat to any sect, and I stand by my words.”
Aoun welcomed “anyone who wants to help Lebanon without interfering in our affairs.”
He thanked Saudi Arabia for its support, noting that Riyadh played a role in ending Lebanon’s presidential vacuum. He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to improving relations with Syria and demarcating the border “under Saudi sponsorship.”
“We will not compromise on our relationship with Saudi Arabia,” Aoun said, adding that it dates back to the era of the kingdom’s founding king.
On the economy, Aoun said: “Our country is on the path to economic prosperity through the reforms we are implementing.” He emphasised that no one is above accountability, noting that the judiciary is working seriously to fight corruption.
On the Palestinian file, Aoun said Lebanon “has not opened the door to any direct dialogue with Israel” and reaffirmed Lebanon’s firm rejection of resettling Palestinians. Regarding weapons in Palestinian refugee camps, he said: “The decision to disarm the camps was taken by the Palestinian Authority itself, but the Iran-Israel conflict and Palestinian considerations have delayed implementation.”
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