Iranian FM Holds Talks with Lebanese Officials in Beirut

WANA (Jan 08) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is in Beirut on an official visit to Lebanon, held a series of meetings on Thursday with senior Lebanese officials to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments, and avenues for expanded cooperation.

Meeting with the Deputy Head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council of Lebanon

Araghchi first met with Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, Deputy Head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council of Lebanon. During the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister underscored the council’s longstanding and influential role in Lebanese society, stressing the importance of its continued contribution to strengthening national cohesion and unity among Lebanon’s diverse sects and religious communities.

Araghchi also reaffirmed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s principled policy of maintaining and enhancing constructive relations with all Lebanese communities.

For his part, Sheikh al-Khatib expressed appreciation for Iran’s steadfast positions in defending what he described as the legitimate rights of the Iranian people, the Lebanese nation, and other peoples of the region in the face of what he called the war-mongering policies of the Israeli regime.

He emphasized the collective responsibility of Islamic countries to safeguard the interests of the region’s nations and to work toward peace and stability.

Araghchi and the Deputy Head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council of Lebanon. January 08, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments and the need to continue efforts to preserve regional security and stability amid ongoing Israeli attacks.

Economic Talks with Lebanon’s Trade Minister

Later in the afternoon, Araghchi visited the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, where he met with Amer Al-Bassat, Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy was also present at the talks.

The meeting focused on Iran–Lebanon economic and trade relations. Araghchi recalled the long history of economic exchanges between the two countries and announced Iran’s readiness to expand bilateral economic cooperation.

He described the revival of the Iran–Lebanon Joint Economic Commission as a key step toward strengthening trade ties and emphasized the importance of convening its next session at the earliest opportunity.

Minister Al-Bassat outlined Lebanon’s current economic situation and reform plans, stressing his country’s determination to boost trade and economic exchanges with all regional states, including Iran.

Araghchi and Amer Al-Bassat, Lebanon’s Minister of Economy and Trade. January 08, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Discussions also covered potential areas of cooperation in economic and trade sectors, tourism, agriculture, science, and culture, as well as ways to facilitate and expand trade, including the reduction or removal of tariffs.

Paying Tribute to Hassan Nasrallah

During his visit, Araghchi also paid tribute at the shrine of Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the late Secretary-General of Hezbollah, offering prayers and honoring what he described as the high status of the slain leader and other “martyrs of the resistance.”

Speaking at the site, Araghchi said Iran has always supported—and will continue to support—Lebanon’s independence, national unity, and territorial integrity, and called for an end to what he described as the Israeli regime’s occupation.

conveyed greetings from the Iranian government and people to “all fighters on the path of resistance and truth,” praising their sacrifices.

He reiterated Iran’s commitment to expanding relations with all components of the Lebanese state and expressed hope for broader cooperation between Iran and Lebanon across political, economic, cultural, and scientific fields.

Araghchi paid tribute to Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, the late Secretary-General of Hezbollah, on January 08, 2026. Social media/ WANA News Agency