Beirut – Various observers and analysts have rated Iran’s visit to Beirut on June 3rd by Abbas Araguchi, a visit to Beirut as positive and constructive.
The Araguchi visit reflects the seriousness of Tehran in strengthening bilateral relations with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aung, his support for his official position to refuse Israeli occupation of some Lebanese territories, and his support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to rebuild what was destroyed during the ongoing US-led Israeli attacks.
Yousef Rajay (Lebanese military minister) sparked a wave of great criticism when he frowned upon his eyebrows when he met with the Iranian foreign minister.
Rajai’s bold actions were considered a blatant violation of Lebanese customs regarding the acceptance of guests, official protocols and diplomatic norms.
Critics condemned Rajay’s actions and argued that no matter what the Rajay background and the Lebanese military position, such an exhibition should be tolerated when receiving foreign envoys to Lebanon.
Rajay, who appears to be frowning at meetings with Araguchi, often greets foreign figures that representatives from Washington and Riyadh want to soothe them with a wide smile.
Sources from the Foreign Ministry have leaked a report to the Saudi Al Hadas Channel, where Saudi Arabian adventures told his Iranian counterparts that “military adventures have not ended the occupation of Israel, but they have put Lebanon in a difficult position.”
An informed source told the Tehran Times that Araguchi emphasized to his Lebanese counterparts that diplomatic and international pressures were not sufficient to achieve the desired outcome.
Sources added that “Israel” only understands power rhetoric, and that Hezbollah has highlighted as a popular resistance that it has demonstrated the effectiveness of its approach in blocking Israeli enemies and its effectiveness, according to a source.
Moreover, Araghi warned Rajay that Washington and Tel Aviv were not satisfied with demanding disarmament of resistance, but would move to demand disarmament of the Lebanese army if that was achieved.
It is not Rajai’s first rude behavior. This is because he began his tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by breaking through the offices of ministry employees in a militia-like way and calling himself a “goat.”
Rajay was also praised for violating diplomatic protocols by accepting the summons of US President Donald Trump’s envoy to West Asia President Morgan Ortags, instead of attending the State Department personally in accordance with official protocols.
In this connection, it is worth noting that American sources have revealed that Trump is considering appointing his friend Thomas Barrack as a special envoy to Lebanon in place of Ortagus.
The barracks also serve as special envoys for the Syrian and Turkish ambassadors.
Barrack is one of the businessmen who is close to playing cards. As part of an effort to reduce the influence of deep states within US federal agencies, Trump is working to undermine the National Security Council by stripping its authority and distributing them into a newly created framework that guarantees loyalty to him and his “America First” movement.
Barak was previously tried after being accused of being an “Agent of the UAE” but was acquitted in court in November 2022. The Senate confirmed his appointment as Turkish ambassador on April 29, 2025.
Given his successive lapses of Rajay and his existing stance that has hurt Lebanon’s image overseas, political activists are calling for a rethink of Rajay’s appointment as Lebanese foreign minister, especially as he faces a sensitive situation in which Lebanon needs to maintain relations with his friendly countries. This is especially true after Araguchi has expressed his willingness to take part in the reconstruction process if the government wants it.