Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea lambasted Iran on Monday, accusing it of posing a “direct threat” to Lebanon’s sovereignty. He cited Tehran’s recent criticism of Beirut’s plan to disarm non-state actors, including Iran’s ally Hezbollah.
Geagea voiced strong support for the government’s decision taken on August 5 and 7 to place all weapons under the state’s exclusive control, saying the measures are legitimate and binding.
He also warned that certain groups appear intent on ignoring them, a move that “undermines state institutions and the constitution.”
“The government has earned parliamentary confidence twice this year. Rejecting its decisions is tantamount to rejecting Lebanon’s institutions and its very statehood,” Geagea said.
The LF chief condemned statements from Iranian officials suggesting the disarmament plan would be blocked, describing them as threats that raise the prospect of military interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
In response, Geagea called on the government to seek urgent meetings of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty and to file a complaint with the UN Security Council over Tehran’s remarks.
“Lebanon does not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and expects the same in return,” he said, adding that decades of Iranian involvement have harmed the country.
While noting historic ties between the Lebanese and Iranian peoples, Geagea urged Tehran to “focus on its own matters and let Lebanon manage its own.”
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