| Lebanon First: Lebanon Is Not Iran’s Arena |
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Lebanon First: Lebanon Is Not Iran’s Arena
Lebanon News MTV
11/07/2026
See translation in Arabic section
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Iran appears unwilling to acknowledge that its influence in Lebanon has significantly diminished—and is likely to decline even further. Some Iranian officials are attempting to compensate for this retreat with an abundance of rhetoric, much of which offers little of real value.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during a telephone call with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, declared that Iran’s objective is to end the war, ensure the return of displaced people, and secure Israel’s withdrawal, stressing that Tehran is seriously pursuing these goals.
But one must ask: Who authorised Ghalibaf to assume responsibilities and roles that belong exclusively to the Lebanese state? Has Lebanon’s executive authority granted him any mandate to act in this regard? Or is he proceeding on his own initiative, still viewing Lebanon as one of Iran’s regional arenas?
Unfortunately, Iran’s blatant interference in Lebanese affairs did not stop there. The international affairs adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader claimed that Hezbollah is the true guardian of Lebanon’s existence and independence.
This statement is astonishing in both form and substance.
In terms of form, who gave the Iranian adviser the authority to issue certificates of patriotism to Lebanese parties? Such conduct is unacceptable in relations between sovereign states and constitutes direct interference in the internal affairs of another country.
As for the substance, the adviser should understand that Lebanon’s existence and independence cannot depend on a particular party or sect. They are, and must remain, the exclusive responsibility of the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah is, in fact, the last party entitled to claim that it has protected Lebanon’s existence and independence.
Yes, Hezbollah has protected Iran’s interests in Lebanon. Yes, it has followed the orders of Iran’s Supreme Leader and entered two so-called “support wars” that devastated Lebanon and brought occupation back to its territory. And yes, it has sought to advance the Islamic Republic’s strategy of transforming Lebanon into an Iranian protectorate—or even into another province under Tehran’s control.
But Hezbollah has never protected Lebanon’s existence or independence. How can an organisation that does not believe in the finality and permanence of the Lebanese state claim to defend it?
Anyone who still doubts this should consider what happened yesterday on the airport road. Hezbollah supporters were angered by billboards carrying the slogan “Lebanon First,” and one of those signs was set on fire.
So, Mr Adviser, is it by placing “Iran First” that Hezbollah claims to preserve Lebanon’s existence and defend its independence?
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