Latest news with #IranLebanonRelations
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Iranian Foreign Minister in Beirut to 'open new chapter' with Lebanon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Beirut to meet top Lebanese officials andhopes 'to open a new chapter in relations' with Lebanon as it begins the process of disarming non-state actors and strengthening its national army. The visit, part of Mr Araghchi's tour of the region, comes amid calls for Tehran's strongest proxy group Hezbollah to disarm in Lebanon - an indication of Iran's uncertain regional footing. Mr Araghchi met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The Iranian minister's first meeting was with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who is perhaps the strongest critic of Hezbollah in the new Lebanese government and was nominated for his position by the Lebanese Forces – parliament's largest party and an opponent of the Iran-backed group. "They had an absolutely frank meeting," according to a Foreign Ministry source who did not wish to be identified. "They discussed Hezbollah weapons, the negotiations between Iran and the US, rebuilding, south Lebanon, and the issue of respecting Lebanon's sovereignty," the source added. The Iranian FM was receptive to Mr Rajji's concerns and "listened very well." The Lebanese Foreign Minister's office said Mr Rajji emphasised the importance of securing support for Lebanon's reconstruction and economic recovery "exclusively through the Lebanese government and official institutions." The Iranian Foreign Minister said Iranian companies were ready to help with reconstruction efforts if the Lebanese government requested it. Iran, through Hezbollah, has donated money to cover a year's rent and loss of possessions for those who lost their homes during the war with Israel. A source close to Hezbollah said the visit was focused solely on Iran-Lebanon relations. They said Mr Araghchi's visit had nothing to do with negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. "Iran's role in reconstruction hasn't changed; from the moment the ceasefire took effect, Tehran expressed to the Lebanese government its readiness to actively contribute to whatever Lebanon needs," the source said. "Iran's relationship with Hezbollah is not up for question or debate. It is a historical bond and is treated as such. It has always stood on the side of Lebanon's strength and resilience," they added. On the nuclear issue, Mr Araghchi said a new US proposal submitted via Oman threw up "many ambiguities and questions". Throughout the day, Lebanese officials and the Iranian Foreign Minister repeatedly stressed a desire for a relationship based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's relations. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over suggestions that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Lebanon faces reconstruction and recovery needs of more than $11 billion, according to a World Bank report published earlier this year. But who will foot that bill remains unclear, with the country bankrupt and the international community weary. Mr Aragchi had earlier been received on arrival on Tuesday by a representative of Mr Berri and two Hezbollah MPs. The Iranian minister will also probably meet officials from Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group and political party. The whereabouts of its new leader Naim Qassem, who regularly gives televised speeches from an undisclosed location, are unclear. Mr Araghchi last visited Beirut in February to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time Hezbollah leader who was assassinated last year in an Israeli bombing on the Lebanese capital. Iranian support had been instrumental in Hezbollah turning into the region's most powerful non-state armed group. But its war with Israel last year has seen Hezbollah's power significantly weakened, although it still remains a critical Lebanese actor. Along with the killing of Mr Nasrallah, almost all of Hezbollah's senior leadership has been wiped out as well as its largest missiles. Lebanon is under pressure from many in the international community, as well as some inside the country, to disarm Hezbollah. President Aoun has said he wants all arms under the control of the state as soon as possible, but insists this must be done through mediation and not force. Mr Araghchi is travelling from Cairo, where he had said Iran is 'ready to provide assurances' that its nuclear programme is peaceful, as Tehran and Washington seek to reach a deal on the issue.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iran Seeks to Turn ‘New Page' in Ties with Lebanon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-Prime Minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
Reuters
3 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Iran seeks to turn 'new page' in ties with Lebanon
BEIRUT, June 3 (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's U.S.-backed army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's prime minister Nawaf Salam and foreign minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-prime minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
LBCI
3 days ago
- General
- LBCI
Iran's Araghchi visits Beirut reaffirms support for Lebanon's sovereignty
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Beirut from Egypt on Tuesday for an official visit, during which he will hold talks with senior Lebanese officials. 'I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Lebanon again and meet with its leaders and people,' Araghchi said upon arriving. In remarks, Araghchi emphasized that 'the Islamic Republic of Iran places top priority on neighboring countries, West Asia, and our friends in the region' in its foreign policy. He described Iran's relationship with Lebanon as 'historic and deeply rooted,' noting it has 'always been friendly and based on mutual respect.' He said Tehran is committed to maintaining and strengthening those ties 'based on mutual respect and shared interests.' Araghchi also underlined Iran's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying, 'We have always supported Lebanon's independence, and we continue to do so during these difficult times.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iranian FM from Beirut: We Respect Lebanon's Internal Affairs
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that considering the regional developments, Iran is keen on opening a new chapter in its relations with Lebanon, assuring that his country respects Lebanon's internal matters and does not meddle in them. Araghchi, who arrived on Tuesday in Beirut coming from Egypt where he convened with senior officials, met with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Rajji at the foreign ministry's headquarters in Downtown Beirut. Araghchi said he has meetings scheduled with Lebanese President Jospeh Aoun, PM Nawaf Salam and his Lebanese counterpart. 'My trip to Lebanon comes as part of my tour in the region', the state-run National News Agency quoted Araghchi as saying after he arrived at the airport. 'We respect Lebanon's internal matters; we do not interfere in them. We also support Lebanon's sovereignty during difficult times just like we did before', he stated, noting that Iran attaches great importance to Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and unity. 'I hope there would be a new leaf of relations with Lebanon based on mutual respect', he added. A Visit with Political Goals According to sources who spoke to Asharq al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, the Iranian diplomat's visit has political goals as it coincides with a new round of US-Iran nuclear talks that reports say still faces hurdles amid Tehran's insistence that they are strictly for peaceful purposes. The visit was not coordinated in advance with the Lebanese state but came at the Iranian minister's request, the source added, noting that Araghchi seeks to meet senior Lebanese officials to discuss matters of key importance for his country.
