Larijani: Iran Respects Lebanon’s Decisions with the Resistance

Ali Larijani on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in a joint press conference with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, responded to journalists’ questions regarding the objectives of his visit.

Emphasizing that Iran’s power stems from the cohesion of its people and a profound popular revolution, Larijani said:

“We never view our friends as tools. We believe the Resistance possesses deep awareness and broad vision and requires no guidance from others.”

Referring to proposals put forward by other countries for Lebanon, he said:

“Countries outside Lebanon should not dictate to Lebanon. The Lebanese people are wise and can make their own decisions, and any decision that the Lebanese government takes in consultation with the Resistance will be respected by us.”

Regarding the message of this trip, Larijani stated:

“Our message is based on one essential point: what matters to us is that the governments of the region be independent and strong. Lebanon does not need instructions from across the seas. Our position is that every country has the right to decide its own future. We have not brought any plan for Lebanon — the Americans have brought plans. We do not interfere in your decision-making.”

Posing a rhetorical question, he asked:

“Who attacked your country, if not Israel? Beware that Israel does not impose upon you through other means what it could not achieve through war. Be careful not to confuse friend and foe.”

Larijani warned against the hostile schemes of the enemies of Iran and Lebanon, stressing:

“They want to use propaganda to switch the places of friend and enemy. Your enemy is Israel, which attacked you. Your friend is the one who resisted Israel — therefore, value them.”

He underscored that the Resistance did not emerge on the orders of foreign powers, stating:

“The Resistance is a national asset of Lebanon and other Islamic countries. A look at the history of the Resistance shows that it has always arisen in opposition to foreign forces. In Lebanon, when Israel occupied Beirut, Hezbollah was formed; when Iraq was occupied by America, the Resistance movement was established; in Yemen, when the country was bombarded, the Resistance emerged.”

In response to a question on whether Iran would provide military assistance to Lebanon in the event of another Israeli attack, Larijani said:

“If the Lebanese government requests military assistance from us, we will help.”

Reaffirming that Iran has no intention of interfering in the affairs of other countries, he added:

“The Lebanese government should speak with all communities and reach a conclusion. Those who interfere in Lebanon’s affairs are the ones who, from thousands of kilometers away, give you plans and timelines for action. We have not given you any such plan.”