Araghchi in Beirut 'to strengthen ties and support Lebanon’s sovereignty'

BEIRUT — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut Thursday morning, saying at the airport that his visit aims to further strengthen relations between the two countries, particularly given the high volume of trade, and emphasizing his support for “Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

His statement comes amid heightened sensitivities surrounding Iranian diplomatic visits, as Tehran is the main backer of Hezbollah.

Zooming out

A promising new year for Lebanon? Not as long as Qassem and Iran decide otherwise

Relations between Beirut and Tehran have been strained since the November 2024 cease-fire that ended 13 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, which also calls for the disarmament of all militias — a demand repeatedly criticized by Iranian authorities.

'Unprecedented major challenges'

At Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport, Araghchi said he will meet with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and his Lebanese counterpart Joe Rajji, who invited him to Beirut after initially refusing to travel to Tehran, proposing a “neutral ground” meeting instead.

“Our region faces unprecedented major challenges. Seven countries have been attacked by Israel over the past two years, including Lebanon and Iran, and some parts of Lebanon remain under occupation,” Araghchi said, accusing Israel of violating cease-fire commitments.

The Israeli army continues strikes in southern Lebanon and maintains positions on Lebanese territory, citing attempts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military presence south of the Litani and elsewhere.

A 'key moment' for Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his visit “comes at a particularly important moment for Lebanon,” which is set to begin the second phase of the army’s disarmament plan and remains under pressure from Tel Aviv and Washington. The trip to Beirut “aims to strengthen relations between our two countries,” he added, noting that “trade between Iran and Lebanon reached 110 million dollars over the past year, reflecting significant potential and opportunities.” He emphasized, “We are determined to strengthen relations between Lebanon and Iran based on shared interests and mutual respect, and we support Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.”

Other dynamics at stake

After Maduro, could Khamenei be next?

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported, and continues to support, Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. We are confident the Lebanese government shares this position. We are determined to strengthen our relations based on mutual respect and shared interests,” he added.

Araghchi was greeted at the airport by Khalil Hamdan, a member of the Amal movement and representative of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah lawmakers Hassan Ezzeddine and Hussein Hajj Hassan, Roula Noureddine, protocol director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani.

Answering questions on recent U.S. and Israeli threats against Iran, he said, “The United States and the Zionist entity have already attempted to attack Iran and failed,” adding that “repeating such an attempt would lead to the same outcome.” He stressed that “Iran is ready for all scenarios; it does not seek war but is prepared for it, and is open to negotiations provided they are based on mutual respect,” emphasizing that “negotiations cannot take place if they are founded on diktats.”

On Wednesday, Araghchi had told reporters that economic cooperation would be “a key element” of his visit. According to the Iranian Mehr news agency, he is accompanied by a political and economic delegation.

Relations between Lebanon and Iran have been tense in recent months, as Beirut seeks to distance itself from Tehran after years of Iranian influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah. Flights between Beirut and Tehran have been suspended since the start of President Joseph Aoun’s current term in February, partly to curb cash transfers to Hezbollah.