Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, traveled to Beirut on Saturday to attend memorial ceremonies for the slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, announcing his support for Lebanon’s role as a frontline of resistance against Israel.
“We are hopeful for the future of the region. Awareness and vigilance in the region are on the rise,” said Larijani.
“The Israeli regime spares no country as seen in the recent incident in Qatar,” he said.
“Many countries are seeking to establish a joint mechanism for cooperation, and we support this path,” Iranian media quoted him as saying.
Larijani will meet senior Lebanese officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern, the Iranian embassy in Beirut said.
He is joined by Ebrahim Azizi, head of parliament’s National Security Committee, and Rouhollah Motefaker Azad, a deputy speaker, during his trip to Lebanon.
In his previous Beirut visit in August, Lebanese political figures publicly criticized Tehran’s influence and interference, warning that Iran’s pressure on Hezbollah’s armament threatened Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Though Hezbollah was once seen as Iran’s dominant proxy in Lebanon, it has endured heavy losses. Israeli strikes last year killed thousands of its fighters and senior leaders, with much of its military infrastructure destroyed.
Lebanese officials have said a sovereign, unified Lebanon requires the elimination of foreign influence, adding that Hezbollah’s control over armed power remains a major obstacle.
Founded in 1982 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hezbollah has long been Israel’s principal military adversary in Lebanon. Fighting late last year left the group weakened.
The Lebanese cabinet last month ordered the army to disarm Hezbollah, prompting sharp criticism from Tehran.
