Raggi: No Turning Back on Disarmament Decision, Rejects Iranian Meddling
8/20/2025 2:40:25 PM
In an interview with Al Hadath TV, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi affirmed that there will be “no turning back” on the government’s decision to centralize all weapons under state authority.
Raggi revealed that the Lebanese Army may request an additional two weeks to finalize its plan for disarmament. “The army needs the time to complete a comprehensive, executable strategy,” he said.
Addressing rising political tensions, Raggi warned, “Anyone speaking of civil war is signaling an intent to ignite one. The Shiite community is being held hostage by Hezbollah, which exploits it for its own agenda.” He emphasized that “no sect in Lebanon is under threat, and therefore, there is no need for any form of guarantees.”
Raggi strongly rejected foreign military support for non-state actors, saying, “I do not accept Iran’s arming of groups operating outside the state’s authority.” He also disclosed that he refused to meet with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, due to what he described as “hostile rhetoric by Iranian officials toward Lebanon.”
“Lebanon has endured decades of occupation and domination by factions that have no true connection to it,” Raggi said. “We are working to restore Lebanon to its rightful Arab role.”
The Foreign Minister reiterated Lebanon’s aspiration for a “genuine partnership” with Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, and expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its efforts in fostering dialogue between Lebanon and Syria.
Raggi concluded by noting that all issues are being discussed openly with Syrian counterparts, stating, “There are no deep-rooted disputes, and Syrian officials are expected to visit Lebanon in the near future.”
Raggi revealed that the Lebanese Army may request an additional two weeks to finalize its plan for disarmament. “The army needs the time to complete a comprehensive, executable strategy,” he said.
Addressing rising political tensions, Raggi warned, “Anyone speaking of civil war is signaling an intent to ignite one. The Shiite community is being held hostage by Hezbollah, which exploits it for its own agenda.” He emphasized that “no sect in Lebanon is under threat, and therefore, there is no need for any form of guarantees.”
Raggi strongly rejected foreign military support for non-state actors, saying, “I do not accept Iran’s arming of groups operating outside the state’s authority.” He also disclosed that he refused to meet with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, due to what he described as “hostile rhetoric by Iranian officials toward Lebanon.”
“Lebanon has endured decades of occupation and domination by factions that have no true connection to it,” Raggi said. “We are working to restore Lebanon to its rightful Arab role.”
The Foreign Minister reiterated Lebanon’s aspiration for a “genuine partnership” with Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, and expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its efforts in fostering dialogue between Lebanon and Syria.
Raggi concluded by noting that all issues are being discussed openly with Syrian counterparts, stating, “There are no deep-rooted disputes, and Syrian officials are expected to visit Lebanon in the near future.”