BEIRUT, Aug 13 (Reuters) — Iran’s top security official said on Wednesday that Tehran views resistance movements as partners, not instruments, and will respect any decision made by Lebanon’s government in coordination with such groups.
Speaking after talks in Beirut with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said Iran’s strength “comes from national unity and the insight of its people,” describing the 1979 Islamic Revolution as “one of the greatest democratic uprisings.”
“We do not see our friends as tools. Resistance has deep roots and does not need outside direction,” the official said, in remarks broadcast by local media.
He urged foreign powers not to dictate policies to Lebanon, praising the country’s history of confronting Israeli forces. “Lebanon is an independent nation and must decide for itself,” he said. “We will respect any decision it makes in consultation with the resistance.”
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The official warned against misidentifying allies and enemies. “Your enemy is Israel, which attacked you. Your friend is the one who stood with you. Recognize that,” he told reporters.
He described resistance movements as a “national asset” across the Middle East, noting that groups had emerged in response to foreign interventions in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
When asked if Iran would provide military aid should Israel attack Lebanon again, he replied: “If the Lebanese government requests it, we will provide it.”
The SNSC chief said Tehran has no intention of interfering in other nations’ internal affairs, stressing that decisions should come through local dialogue, not external plans “from thousands of kilometers away.”
