Rajji-Araghchi: The end of a controversial period or the start of a diplomatic rift?

For several weeks, foreign minister Joe Rajji has seized every opportunity to stress that Lebanon wants to open a new chapter in its diplomatic relations with the Iran. “We have an issue with Iran and are open to dialogue, provided the country stop interfering in our internal affairs,” he said in this context during an interview on Friday with Al-Jazeera. His remarks come in the aftermath of his refusal to travel to Tehran at the invitation of his counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. The latter has responded, saying he “understands” Rajji’s position and cited daily Israeli airstrikes against Lebanon, while expressing his readiness to go to Beirut if invited. According to our sources, such a scenario is ruled out, at least for now. At the foreign ministry, the stance is clear: it is time to launch a new phase with Iran centered on mutual respect...