Under US pressure, can Lebanon disarm Hezbollah without Iran's green light?
The issue of Hezbollah’s disarmament resurfaces amid US pressure, shifting regional dynamics, and Iran's decisive role.
BEIRUT — Lebanon appears to be at a turning point, as US pressure builds over the future of Hezbollah’s weapons and disarming the party. But with Iran as Hezbollah’s strongest funder and backer, the issue may require Tehran’s direct acquiescence instead of being settled in Beirut.
The visit to Beirut by US deputy special envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus on April 4 reignited debate in Lebanon over the long-standing question of Hezbollah's disarmament.
In her second visit since the Donald Trump administration took office in January, Ortagus urged Lebanese leaders to disarm Hezbollah amid discussions on border tensions and urgent economic reforms.
In an interview with local outlet LBCI on April 6, Ortagus said that she consistently raises the issue of disarming Hezbollah and all militias with the Lebanese government to ensure the Lebanese state holds “a monopoly of force.” When asked about a timeline for Hezbollah’s disarmament, she replied, “As soon as possible.”
