Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set a new date for Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani to appear after he declined an earlier summons over his controversial remarks criticizing discussions about disarming Hezbollah.
The ambassador had been scheduled to visit the ministry on Wednesday but apologized for not attending.
Foreign Minister Youssef Raji had initially summoned Amani to the ministry on Tuesday in protest over his recent statements. In Raji’s absence abroad, the ambassador was expected to receive Lebanon’s official position from the ministry’s secretary general. However, Amani did not show up, later telling Lebanon’s Al Jadeed TV that while he had received the summons, he had excused himself from attending and had yet to be informed of a new date.
He stressed that Iran “respects whatever agreement the Lebanese people reach” regarding Hezbollah’s weapons, asserting that Tehran does not impose its views on Lebanese domestic affairs.
Later in the day, Markaziah News Agency reported that the Foreign Ministry had indeed set a new appointment for Amani, although it did not disclose the date.
The controversy stems from a post Amani made last Friday on X, in which he wrote: “The disarmament project is a clear conspiracy against nations.”
He added: “We in the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully aware of the dangers of this conspiracy and the threat it poses to the security of the peoples in the region. We warn others not to fall into the trap laid by the enemies.”
Amani also stressed that maintaining deterrence capability is “the first line of defense for sovereignty and independence, and it must not be compromised.”
On Wednesday, Raji reiterated that the new Lebanese government “adheres to a clear policy aimed at asserting the state’s sovereignty over all its territory, ensuring that arms are solely in the hands of the state, and that it alone holds the authority to decide on matters of war and peace.”
He also underscored commitment to the National Pact, the Taif Agreement, and genuine power-sharing between Lebanon’s communities, saying these principles are essential for national unity and effective participation.
Speaking at the meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, Raji addressed what he called Israel’s continued aggression against Lebanon.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, Raji said: “The world has witnessed Lebanon’s full commitment to the ceasefire declaration. However, Israel insists on undermining the agreement and continues to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty on a daily basis.”
He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to peaceful and diplomatic solutions, including full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and stressed that Lebanon’s legitimate security institutions, particularly the Lebanese Army, are determined to carry out their national duties.
