The Sovereign Stand, The Army's Plan

Lebanese media on August 13 centered on Iranian official Larijani's visit, which consistently dominated headlines. Early reports assessed his trip as an attempt to influence negotiations and questioned its implications for UNIFIL's mandate and Iran's regional standing. By mid-morning, the focus intensified as President Aoun delivered a firm message to Larijani, directly rejecting foreign interference and the bearing of unauthorized arms, reaffirming Lebanon's sovereignty. A significant development in the afternoon was the widely reported Lebanese Army's 120-day plan, outlining efforts to confine weapons and assert state authority. This operational detail underscored the state's resolve on arms control, a persistent theme from previous days. Later, President Salam reinforced this stance, stating that Lebanese government decisions are not open to debate by other nations, marking a day of clear, public assertions of national independence amidst external diplomatic pressures.