Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh’s visit to Beirut demonstrates two things above all: the importance of Lebanon, and therefore inevitably Hezbollah, to the Iranian regime, and Iran’s clear intention to improve relations with Lebanese authorities following the crisis involving Mohammad Riza Sheibani. Sheibani attended most of Khatibzadeh’s meetings with Lebanese parties but was not introduced as ambassador.It is clear that both the Lebanese and Iranian sides have decided to let time resolve the matter rather than allow it to become a point of conflict. The phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Lebanese president ahead of the visit had already signaled their shared desire to restore relations. Now, as direct talks with Israel appear to be stalling ahead of major electoral deadlines, Iran and...
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh’s visit to Beirut demonstrates two things above all: the importance of Lebanon, and therefore inevitably Hezbollah, to the Iranian regime, and Iran’s clear intention to improve relations with Lebanese authorities following the crisis involving Mohammad Riza Sheibani. Sheibani attended most of Khatibzadeh’s meetings with Lebanese parties but was not introduced as ambassador.It is clear that both the Lebanese and Iranian sides have decided to let time resolve the matter rather than allow it to become a point of conflict. The phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Lebanese president ahead of the visit had already signaled their shared desire to restore relations. Now, as direct talks with Israel appear to be stalling ahead of major electoral deadlines, Iran...
