Iranian envoy walks back criticism of Lebanese bid to disarm Hezbollah

Iran's Ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani visited Lebanon’s foreign ministry to walk back earlier comments which appeared to call the Mediterranean country's delicate efforts to disarm the Iran-back Hezbollah group a conspiracy.

Amani had initially declined an earlier summons but attended Thursday’s meeting following a backlash over a post last week in which he warned of a conspiracy threatening regional stability—widely seen as a reference to efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

Iran's embassy in Beirut said the post was general in nature and “applied to all countries without exception, including Iran,” and that the visit aimed to prevent “any misunderstanding or misinterpretation” between the two countries.

"Amani emphasized the need to prevent enemies from sowing discord between Iran and Lebanon, believing that vigilance and cooperation are the guarantees for warding off such attempts," the embassy said on its official X account.

The Lebanese foreign ministry confirmed the meeting and said senior official Hani Shmaytelli reminded Amani of “the need to adhere to diplomatic protocols … on the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.”

Last week Amani warned against what he called a disarmament conspiracy, saying on X: “We in the Islamic Republic of Iran understand the danger of this conspiracy and its threat to the security of the region’s peoples."

"We warn others against falling into the enemy's trap. Preserving deterrent capability is the first line of defense for sovereignty and independence and must not be compromised.”

In a televised interview earlier this week, Amani struck a more conciliatory tone, saying the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons was for the Lebanese government to decide. “We are committed to what the Lebanese agree upon,” he said.

Iran, the embassy quoted Amani as saying, maintains its "unwavering commitment to supporting the independence, sovereignty, stability and security of the Lebanese Republic."

The diplomatic exchange comes amid renewed pressure in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, which is designated a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun recently said the group should be brought under state control following losses in recent clashes with Israel. A US- and France-brokered ceasefire remains in place, though both sides have reported violations.