WANA (Oct 11) – Mojtaba Amani, Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, announced that the Iranian people have provided $60 million in humanitarian aid to support Lebanon. However, the Lebanese government has declined to accept the assistance, citing international sanctions and political considerations.

 

According to Al-Ahed, Ambassador Amani stated that Lebanese authorities refused the aid because it fell under international sanctions. Criticizing the decision, he noted that the United States has yet to fulfill its promises to provide aid to Lebanon, even after three years.

 

Amani added: “At a time when Lebanon is struggling with severe economic and social crises, this aid could have alleviated some of the hardships faced by the people.”

 

The move comes amid heightened U.S. sanctions against Iran, making any financial or humanitarian engagement from Tehran subject to intense international scrutiny. The Lebanese government, citing these sanctions, chose not to accept assistance from the Islamic Republic.

 

He emphasized Tehran’s support for resistance movements and opposition to occupation, clarifying that Iran has not been involved in negotiations with Hamas. “We have not been in contact with Hamas, and Iran does not intervene in any agreements or non-agreements. Our duty and responsibility are to support the oppressed, and supporting resistance is a human obligation for all parties,” he said.

 

On his meeting with Maronite Christian Patriarch Beshara Al-Rai, Amani described it as routine but important. Commenting on Donald Trump’s proposed solution in Gaza, he said: “I hope Trump’s plan does not face violations or attacks, and that Israel adheres to its commitments. The plan could be a starting point for solving issues, but I hope it will not fail like previous agreements in Lebanon.”

 

Regarding Hezbollah, Amani stated: “Sheikh Naim Qassem says Hezbollah is ready to confront any war or attack. However, we do not have precise information about their weapons, nor do we know whether they would use them against Israel again.”

 

He also warned about Israel’s future: “As long as occupation continues, Israel’s future is very dark, and other Palestinian resistance groups may emerge. The greatest victims of the war were residents of southern Lebanon and the Shia population.”

 

He also emphasized: “Resistance is not limited to weapons; determination and willpower are what can ultimately end occupation.”

 

He announced that: “The people of Iran sent money to help Lebanon, and we are here to assist the people of this country. However, the Lebanese government has declined to accept the assistance, citing international sanctions and political considerations.”

 

Referring to Thomas Barak, the U.S. envoy, Amani said: “Ask about the $60 million and respect the love and generosity of the Iranian people.” On U.S.-Lebanon relations, Amani criticized the lack of progress: “Although the Americans promised aid to Lebanon three years ago, they have not fulfilled it.

 

“The Qatar attack also changed many countries’ perspectives and proved that Israel does not adhere to its commitments, he said.” “Currently, there is no progress in relations with Saudi Arabia, and there are no indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S, he clarified.”

 

Concluding, he stressed there is no hope for an agreement between Iran and Israel, describing Israel as an occupying regime with ambitions for a Greater Israel. “I have many doubts about the intentions of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister,” he said.

A gold service donated by an Iranian woman to the people of Lebanon, valued at $1,918. Social media/ WANA News Agency