WANA (Jan 08) – Stating that “we are prepared for both war and negotiation,” the Iranian Foreign Minister said: “Whenever the Americans accept that negotiation is different from dictation, a meaningful negotiation can take place.”

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, spoke to reporters on Thursday upon his arrival at Beirut airport, saying, “I am happy to have the opportunity to visit Beirut once again. Today and tomorrow, I will meet with Lebanese officials; my goal is to consult with friends and officials of the Lebanese government regarding current developments in the region.”

 

He continued: “I thank Mr. Khalil Hamdan, the representative of Mr. Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, for the welcome and the remarks he shared upon my arrival.”

 

Araghchi stated: “Our region is facing serious challenges and threats, and the threats posed to the region by the Zionist regime have perhaps never been this great. In the past two years, seven countries, including Lebanon and Iran, have been attacked by this regime.”

 

He added, “Parts of Lebanese territory are still under the occupation of their soldiers, and over the past year, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, and [the regime] has not fulfilled its commitments.”

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated: “The primary goal of my trip is to have direct consultations with the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Foreign Minister, and other officials regarding these threats and challenges.”

 

Araghchi said: “Lebanon plays an important role in the region; Iran is consulting with all countries in the area, and my trip has taken place at a critical time for conducting these consultations.”

 

He continued: “My other goal is to advance bilateral relations with Lebanon. The two countries have long had political, economic, and cultural ties, and we seek to expand these relations, particularly economic ones. Iran seeks to expand comprehensive relations with the entire Lebanese government, and within this framework, I will also meet with the Lebanese Minister of Economy.”

 

He noted: “Relations between Iran and Lebanon exceeded $110 million last year, which indicates the growing ties between the two countries.”

 

Araghchi emphasized: “Iran has always supported and will continue to support the territorial integrity, unity, and independence of Lebanon, and the Lebanese government’s position toward Iran has always been the same. We seek to expand relations based on mutual respect and common interests.”

 

In response to a question regarding the threat from Israel and the U.S. to attack Iran again, the Iranian Foreign Minister said: “The United States and Israel tried attacking Iran once, and every time they repeat this action, they will get a similar result. We are fully prepared for any situation; we do not want war, but we are prepared for both war and negotiation.”

 

He emphasized: “Negotiation must be based on mutual interest and respect. Whenever the Americans accept that negotiation is different from dictation, a meaningful negotiation can take place.”

A billboard with a picture of the late Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is displayed on a building, after the IRGC attack on Israel

A billboard with a picture of the late leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, is displayed on a building, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran, October 1, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)