Araqchi at Beirut Airport: We Affirm our Support for Lebanon's Unity, Sovereignty in the face of occupation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi landed in Beirut Tuesday morning as part of a broader regional diplomatic tour, offering strong statements of solidarity with Lebanon against what he described as external interference and occupation.
Upon arrival at Rafik Hariri International Airport, where he was greeted by the Iranian ambassador and members of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, Araqchi immediately emphasized Tehran's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty.
'No party has the right to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs,' Araqchi declared during a brief press conference, while reaffirming Iran's backing for Beirut in its stance against Israeli occupation. He extended congratulations to the Lebanese people for the upcoming Resistance and Liberation Day on May 25 and offered Eid al-Adha greetings.
The visit, which follows a stop in Cairo, includes planned meetings with Lebanon's President, Parliament Speaker, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister. Araqchi highlighted that Iran's foreign policy prioritizes relationships with neighboring countries and regional allies.
'Relations between Iran and Lebanon are historic, deeply rooted, and based on mutual respect,' he stated, emphasizing Tehran's determination to strengthen bilateral ties. 'Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fundamental to Iran and the entire West Asian region.'
The Iranian diplomat stressed that Tehran's support for Lebanon 'does not in any way imply interference' but rather demonstrates solidarity with 'oppressed peoples.' He condemned ongoing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories, calling it a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Araqchi expressed hope for 'a new chapter in bilateral relations' founded on mutual respect and shared interests.
Hamid: Iran Has Stood by Lebanon in The Most Difficult Circumstances
For his part, MP Ayoub Hamid, a member of the Development and Liberation bloc, welcomed the Iranian minister at the airport. He emphasized that 'the Iranian people have always stood by the Lebanese people in the darkest of circumstances.' He welcomed Araqchi on behalf of Speaker Nabih Berri, the leaders of the Amal Movement, Hezbollah, the Palestinian factions, and all national and Islamic forces.
'The relationship between the Iranian and Lebanese peoples is solid, marked by a spirit of brotherhood,' Hamid noted, adding that the substantial turnout welcoming Araqchi 'reflects the depth of this relationship.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Nahar Net
4 hours ago
- Nahar Net
Report: US understands need for ongoing Aoun-Hezbollah talks
by Naharnet Newsdesk 11 hours A Lebanese MP who has close ties to U.S. officials has recently held meetings in Washington in coordination with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri, during which he 'explained the risks from pressuring Lebanon to disarm the resistance and the domestic problems that may result from that,' a media report said. 'The MP clarified to his U.S. interlocutors the importance of domestic dialogue to resolve this issue according to the president's proposal, noting that this dialogue had recently started in meetings between the head of the Loyalty to Resistance bloc MP Mohammad Raad and former Information Ministry director general Mohammad Obeid, who is close to Aoun,' political sources told al-Akhbar newspaper. 'There is U.S. leniency and a greater understanding in Washington of Baabda's viewpoint and that might be behind the decision to remove U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus from her post,' the sources added.
Cedar News
6 hours ago
- Cedar News
Judge BLOCKS Trump administration from deporting the family of Mohamed Soliman
A Colorado federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump admin. from deporting the family of the man charged with fire-bombing 12 people at an event in support of Israeli hostages — wife and children were taken into custody by immigration authorities (following NYT report on…
Al Manar
9 hours ago
- Al Manar
Iranian FM Araghchi to Al-Manar: Beirut Visit Reflects Tehran's Regional Strategy, Support for Resistance Is Unshakable
Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi affirmed Tehran's commitment to deepening political and economic cooperation with Lebanon, defending the sovereign right to nuclear development. In an exclusive interview with Al-Manar TV on Wednesday, FM Araghchi dismissed claims that Hezbollah operates as an Iranian proxy in Lebanon. Araghchi stated that his visit comes within the framework of the Islamic Republic's policy to reinforce its relationship with Lebanon's newly formed government. He described his meetings in Beirut with senior Lebanese officials as 'constructive,' adding that they resulted in agreements to expand trade and economic cooperation, alongside increased political coordination. He also addressed the issue of the suspension of Iranian flights at Beirut International Airport, saying Tehran is prepared to resolve any technical or procedural concerns. 'There is a genuine Lebanese will to restore direct flights between the two countries to their previous levels,' Araghchi noted. Responding to regional and international narratives, Araghchi firmly rejected characterizations of Hezbollah as an Iranian arm in Lebanon. 'Hezbollah is an independent Lebanese group, deeply rooted in the Lebanese social fabric, and plays a vital national role in defending the country,' he stated. He dismissed accusations that Lebanon is being turned into a battlefield for regional or international conflicts. 'Such claims aim to weaken Lebanon and sow division among its people,' Araghchi said, stressing that Iran's political support for the resistance does not equate to interference in its sovereign decisions. The foreign minister reiterated Iran's willingness to assist in Lebanon's reconstruction. 'Iranian companies have extensive experience in major infrastructure projects across several countries,' he noted, emphasizing that cooperation would take place solely through official government channels and in line with the priorities set by the Lebanese government. Araghchi also reassured that all collaboration with Lebanon would remain within the bounds of international law and would not expose the country to repercussions related to sanctions imposed on Iran. 'We are committed to legal and transparent cooperation that protects Lebanon's interests.' On the Iranian nuclear file, Araghchi delivered a resolute message saying that 'uranium enrichment is one of the greatest achievements of our national scientists, and we will never give it up under any circumstances.' He underscored that Iran's enriched uranium is essential for meeting medical and industrial needs. 'Our domestically produced radioisotopes are used to treat over one million patients annually,' he added, highlighting the human cost behind Iran's nuclear progress. 'Some of our scientists have paid with their lives for this achievement—we will not abandon it regardless of pressure.' While keeping the details of nuclear negotiations confidential, Araghchi said that Iran is carefully reviewing the latest US proposal and will respond at the appropriate time based on national interests. 'We will not relinquish our sovereign right to peaceful nuclear energy.' Sending a clear warning to any would-be aggressors, Araghchi stated, 'Any attack on Iran will have catastrophic consequences for the aggressors.' He emphasized the strength of Iran's deterrence capabilities, noting that its nuclear facilities are well protected and that critical materials are dispersed in a way that makes a decapitating strike nearly impossible. 'Our nuclear program is powered by the minds and expertise of our people. Thus, it cannot be erased by bombing.'
