Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al Mayadeen, Larijani said, “We have strong, strategic, and historic ties with both Lebanon and Iraq. These relations span centuries, and we regularly engage in dialogue on issues of mutual concern.”
“Lebanon is a brotherly nation to us. Our relationship is not new; it has deep roots and history. In all circumstances, we have stood by Lebanon and its resistance. We see resistance as a great asset for the countries of this region, whether in Lebanon or elsewhere,” he said regarding relations with Lebanon.
He also pointed out that Lebanon’s resistance includes Christians as well as Muslims.
“When Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was martyred, we saw the participation of everyone. Resistance is not just for Muslims; Christians have also taken part,” he said.
On his long-standing relationship with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani remarked, “Mr. Berri is one of the great political figures of Lebanon and the Arab world. He is politically astute, deeply experienced, and a key pillar of the resistance. He knows how to act under all circumstances. Today, we exchanged views and listened to his comprehensive perspective. His ideas open the way for progress on Lebanon’s challenges, and he had several constructive proposals for the region as well.”
On why his first trip as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council focused on Arab states rather than a broader regional sweep, Larijani explained, “I chose Iraq and Lebanon because they are our close friends with whom we have cooperated for many years. We have old, deep relations with them. Syria was not part of my itinerary because we currently have no formal relations, but Lebanon and Iraq were essential stops to discuss regional developments.”
On the possibility of restoring ties with Syria, Larijani said, “It is possible, but it depends on the actions of the current Syrian government. The situation there is unclear and not what we would like to see. ‘Israel’ has interfered heavily, and we disapprove of that. We must see how matters evolve; if conditions change, there could be relations in the future.”
On the recent Israeli attacks against Iran, Larijani said, “Their goal was to overthrow the system of the Islamic Republic, as Netanyahu openly declared. They planned this for 14 years and failed. Netanyahu wanted to incite unrest, but even the Iranian opposition stood with the state. He miscalculated badly, and the Iranian people do not like him. Events unfolded contrary to his expectations.”
Larijani stressed that no regional country rallied to Tel Aviv’s side.
“Despite some differences, the Islamic world stood with the Islamic Republic. The absence of any achievement for them is itself proof of their strategic defeat,” he said.
While acknowledging that Israel managed to assassinate certain Iranian figures, Larijani argued that “in terms of results, they gained nothing. Compare Iran’s geography, depth, and retaliatory missile damage with their losses; even tactically, they lost. Many media outlets reported that ‘Israel’ turned into hell, like Gaza. Trump himself said Iran’s missiles created hell for Netanyahu and that he had to save him.”
IRNA