TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty and reconstruction efforts during his official visit to Beirut, and emphasized that Iran will open a new chapter of his long-standing relationship with Lebanon based on mutual respect and shared interest.
“I was delighted to return to beautiful Beirut,” wrote Araguchi X following his meetings with Lebanon’s President Joseph Ounu, Parliamentary Speaker Nabi Beli, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdallah Boo Khabib. “All meetings conveyed Iran’s full support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and reconstruction, particularly in the face of continued Israeli occupation.”
Araghchi highlighted Tehran’s willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation across all sectors, adding that Iranian companies are ready to support Lebanon in restructuring critical infrastructure damaged by years of conflict and Israeli attacks.
In consultations with Lebanese leaders, Aragut reiterated his consistent support in Lebanon, Iran, through comprehensive dialogues between all political and social groups. “Our hope is to open a new chapter in our centuries-old relationship,” he said, calling for fixed regional cooperation in common interests and respect for national sovereignty.
Iranian FM pays tribute to Nasrara and encourages rebellion against Israeli invasion
During his stay, Araguchi also paid tribute to Hassan Nasrala, the leader of the Hazbollah resistance, who had been marching in Israeli airstrikes amid a keen escalation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Iranian diplomats laid out his lifelong commitment to building wreaths in the Nasrala cemetery, defending Lebanon and facing Israeli attacks. “Victory belongs to Lebanon and resistance,” he declared. “The defeat of the Zionist regime is inevitable.”
Citing the late Imam Khomeini, Araguchi called it a “bloody victory over the sword” and expressed his confidence that Nasrala’s martialism would merely strengthen the resolve and unity of the regional front of resistance.
He noted that Hezbollah’s victory over Israeli occupation in the past, particularly the retreat of Israeli forces in 2000 and 2006, continues to define moments in modern history in the region. “Nasrala’s legacy continues to inspire and empower resistance,” he added.
Upon arriving at Rafik Hariri International Airport, Araguc denounced the latest Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. He emphasized Iran’s firm opposition to such attacks and pledged continued diplomatic, moral and developmental support to Lebanon.
“Iran has always defended Lebanon’s sovereignty and will continue to do so, especially against violations by the Zionist regime,” he told reporters. However, he firmly rejected the proposal of interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
“Our support is rooted in friendship and solidarity, not political invasion,” Araguchi revealed. “There is no region in the region that has no right to interfere with other countries’ domestic issues.”
Tehran and Cairo are also rising
Before arriving in Lebanon, Araguc visited Cairo, where he met Egyptian President Abdel Fatta El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatti. Describing the speech as “very important,” Araguchi said the heavyweight relationships in the two regions have entered a new phase of diplomatic engagement.
“For many years, Iran and Egypt’s relationship has shifted to a new era defined by trust and political cooperation,” he wrote about X in Arabic. He shares a common responsibility to promote peace and stability in West Asia, he said.
Araguchi also reportedly met with former Egyptian foreign ministers Amr Musa, Nabil Faimy and Mohamed Orabi to focus on the development and prospects of the region for cooperation.