During the meeting, Salam expressed his strong rejection of recent statements made by several Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas, Ali Akbar Velayati, and Brigadier General Masjedi, describing them as “unacceptable in form and substance,” according to the Lebanese National News Agency. He explained that these statements, which included direct criticisms of decisions made by the Lebanese constitutional authorities and some containing explicit threats, represent a “blatant departure from diplomatic norms and a violation of the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty.” He emphasized that this principle forms a fundamental pillar of sound bilateral relations and an inviolable basis in international law.
The Prime Minister stressed that the decisions of the Lebanese government “cannot be subject to discussion in any other country,” affirming that “the decision-making center in Lebanon is the Council of Ministers, and only the Lebanese make their decisions, accepting no tutelage or dictates from anyone.” Salam reminded that the Lebanese have decided to limit weapons to legitimate authorities, a decision adopted since the Taif Agreement in 1989, and reaffirmed in the current government’s ministerial statement and in the President’s inaugural address to Parliament.
He confirmed that the Lebanese government will continue to use all available political, diplomatic, and legal means to compel Israel to immediately withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories and cease its aggressions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated last Wednesday that attempts to disarm the Lebanese “are not new,” noting that the effectiveness of the resistance’s weapons has proven itself on the battlefields. He explained that these attempts have recently been renewed amidst some believing in the party’s weakness, but the decisive stance of its leadership affirmed its resilience in the face of pressure, according to Tasnim News Agency.
Araqchi pointed out that “prominent figures such as Sheikh Naim Qassem and the Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri have renewed their strong support for Hezbollah,” asserting that the party “is at the peak of its power today.” He revealed that the damages sustained by the party during the last war have been repaired, with its reorganization and the appointment of new leaders, making it capable of defending itself efficiently. The Lebanese government, the Tuesday before last, tasked the country’s army with developing an implementation plan to limit weapons to legitimate forces by the end of this year.
According to the National News Agency, the Lebanese government held a ministerial session that lasted six full hours, during which it decided to task the army with developing a plan to limit weapons to legitimate forces by 2025. The agency noted the condition that the plan be presented to the Council of Ministers before the end of this month, as announced by Prime Minister Nawaf.
