Iran requests meeting with Lebanon’s foreign minister amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah

Iran has reached out to Lebanons top diplomat for discussions as international scrutiny intensifies over Hezbollahs potential rearmament. According to Irans Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi extended an invitation to Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji to visit Iran in the near future to strengthen bilateral relations and address regional issues.

The ministry stated that Araghchi expressed confidence in Lebanons ability to overcome current threats and challenges, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

This development follows a recent diplomatic move where Israel and Lebanon dispatched civilian representatives to a military committee overseeing their ceasefire, aiming to broaden the dialogue between the historically adversarial countries.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam noted that Lebanon is willing to allow the committee to directly verify claims regarding Hezbollahs rearming and to assess the Lebanese armys efforts in dismantling the groups infrastructure.

Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire in 2024, ending over a year of conflict involving Hezbollah, but both sides have continued to accuse each other of violations. Earlier, Irans Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani visited Beirut, advising Lebanon to clearly distinguish between allies and adversaries.

Author: Aiden Foster