What does the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to Lebanon entail? | policy

Tel Aviv Tribune Net correspondents

Beirut- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Lebanon today, Friday, for a short official visit during which he met with a number of officials, most notably Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, carrying a decisive and firm message that the Islamic Republic stands with Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Beyond the message of support, Minister Araqchi reiterated, from Beirut, where the sounds and echoes of the Israeli raids on the southern suburbs were heard, that “we have no plans to continue the attack on the Zionist entity, but if the entity takes any step, our response will be stronger, and we will respond to it in a proportionate and thoughtful manner.”

This is considered the second visit of a high-ranking diplomat to Lebanon after the visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot last Sunday evening, but it acquires special importance because it came amidst extremely complex political circumstances and Israeli military escalation, and a few days after the Revolutionary Guard bombed Israel in response to the assassination of the Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Party. God Hassan Nasrallah and a number of other leaders, and before them the head of the political bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh.

The importance of the visit

Despite the Israeli threat of a broad response that might push the region to the brink of a wide regional war, the visit coincided with the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s eulogy for Nasrallah during Friday prayers, stressing that it is Hezbollah’s duty to defend Gaza, while information was leaked about Nasrallah being temporarily buried in a place. My secret as a deposit.

The visit comes in light of the intense internal Lebanese political efforts, in accordance with an initiative by Berri, Mikati, and former MP Walid Jumblatt, in order to stop the aggression against Lebanon and agree to elect a president of the republic who enjoys the support of all forces, after the position was vacant for nearly two years.

Araqchi explained that Iran fully supports the efforts of the Lebanese to confront the crimes of the “Zionist entity,” saying, “I had very good talks with Presidents Mikati and Berri, and we exchanged views on the recent events in Lebanon, during which we confirmed that Iran stands by Lebanon and will remain by its side.”

It is not known whether Minister Araghchi met with leaders from Hezbollah to discuss the road map for the next stage, in light of the continuation of the Israeli aggression and the expansion of its geographical scope to include the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the use of thousands of tons of explosives to destroy it, as some aspects of his talks remained far from the limelight and the media.

Araqchi stressed that Iran will remain supportive of the resistance, saying, “We are confident that the crimes of the Zionist entity will fail as they have failed before, and that the Lebanese people will emerge victorious,” considering that his visit is not ordinary or protocol, but rather comes in difficult circumstances and Beirut is being bombed at every moment. This is the best evidence that Iran – as it was in the past – has always stood by Hezbollah.”

Minister Araqchi addressed the Iranian attack on Israel, describing it as legitimate in accordance with the principles of the United Nations, and it came in response to the bombing of Iranian territory, the embassy in Damascus, and Iranian interests and targets, indicating that “we have no plans to continue the attack on the Zionist entity, but if the entity takes any step, Our response will be stronger, and we will respond to it proportionately and thoughtfully.”

He concluded by saying, “Lebanon’s current conditions are not normal or routine, and we support efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and we are speaking with officials and holding consultations with some countries, on the condition that the rights of the Lebanese people are respected.”

Confirmation of support

In turn, political writer Muhammad Shams al-Din points out to Tel Aviv Tribune Net that the Iranian minister’s visit comes within the framework of Iran’s continued emphasis on standing by Lebanon and their allies there.

Regarding his arrival via an Iranian plane despite Israeli threats, he says, “The plane is diplomatic, and targeting civil aviation is a violation of international laws around the world.”

Shams al-Din adds that it is certain that the Israelis will not target a diplomatic plane, and that what they are actually threatening are Iranian cargo planes that they claim may carry equipment or weapons for Hezbollah, explaining that “Israel is trying to impose a comprehensive land, air and sea blockade on Hezbollah to prevent it from receiving any support or supplies.

Regarding the recent Iranian statements, Shams al-Din believes that Iran is not about to carry out a direct response at the present time, and he says, “Since Israel began targeting the leaders in the heart of the southern suburb, it has become very clear that there is an intention to launch a war that seeks to change the face of the Middle East,” and he wonders. “Is the goal to reduce Iran’s influence and cut off its arms? Or to completely end its presence in the region?”