Lebanese minister summons Iranian ambassador over support for Hezbollah

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji has summoned Iranian Ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, following a controversial social media post in support of Hezbollah.

The post, which advocated against calls for disarming the militant group, was deemed by Rajji  to have crossed a "red line" in Lebanon’s diplomatic relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Amani’s ties to Hezbollah were further underscored by his past involvement in a significant Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah militants. The ambassador sustained severe injuries during the attack, receiving long-term medical treatment in Iran before returning to Beirut in December 2024.

The post, shared by Amani a few days ago, denounced calls to disarm Hezbollah, framing them as part of a broader "conspiracy" against Lebanon. Amani’s statement condemned the disarmament of sovereign states, arguing that such efforts make nations vulnerable to foreign intervention. He specifically cited the United States’ military support for Israel, accusing Washington of hypocrisy by simultaneously pressuring other nations to disarm.

In his message, Amani stated: "The disarmament project is a clear conspiracy against sovereign states... we warn others not to fall into the trap laid by the enemies. Maintaining deterrent capabilities is the first line of defence for sovereignty and independence — and it must not be compromised."

By Aghakazim Guliyev