WANA (Jun 03) – The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated: “My visit to Beirut is part of a regional tour, and we are determined to continue our relations with Lebanon based on mutual interests and respect.”

 

Upon his arrival in Lebanon, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said: “Before coming to Beirut, I visited Cairo and held constructive meetings with Egyptian officials.”

 

He added, “Our relations with Lebanon are longstanding, friendly, and grounded in mutual respect,” emphasizing Iran’s determination to maintain and develop these ties on the basis of mutual interest and respect.

 

Highlighting that “the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Lebanon are important not only to us but to the entire region,” Araghchi went on to condemn the Zionist regime’s occupation. “Condemning this occupation is, in fact, an expression of support for a friendly nation, not an act of interference. No country in the region has the right to interfere in the affairs of another.”

People walk past a banner with a picture of the late Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in a street

People walk next to the stands with the flags of Iran, Hezbollah and Lebanon in a street in Tehran, Iran, October 7, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Speaking to reporters at Beirut Airport, the senior Iranian diplomat noted that during his visit to Lebanon, he would hold consultations with the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister.

 

Araghchi further stated: “We hope that in light of the new developments in Lebanon and the region, a new chapter of respectful relations based on mutual respect will begin between the two countries.”

 

Key topics of discussion during Araghchi’s visit will include important regional developments—particularly the situation in Palestine and Gaza, Syria, and international issues, including Iran’s nuclear negotiations.

 

This is the first official visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to Beirut since the election of Lebanon’s new president and the formation of the new government.