Iran’s acting foreign minister visits Lebanon

Iran’s acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, commenced an official visit to Lebanon on Monday, beginning with a meeting with caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. He also met with Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Bagheri Kani has taken over the responsibilities of the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who passed away in a helicopter crash in Iran last month along with President Ebrahim Raisi and other passengers.

Following his meeting, Bagheri Kani announced, “We have agreed to initiate an emergency meeting for the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take collective steps to halt the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.”

He emphasized the strong relations between Iran and Lebanon as vital for regional stability, stating, “The cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon has always aimed at achieving security and stability in Lebanon and promoting the Lebanese people’s advancement and prosperity.”

Bagheri Kani highlighted that “resistance is the cornerstone of firmness and stability in the region,” and discussed the latest developments in Gaza and Rafah. He noted that the primary purpose of his visit was to express gratitude to the Lebanese people and government for their participation in the funeral of the Iranian president and foreign minister.

Bou Habib mentioned that their discussions included the situation in southern Lebanon, explaining sustainable solutions to restore security in the country. He added that Bagheri Kani emphasized Iran’s commitment to the return of stability in Lebanon and acknowledged Lebanon’s stance against war.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that Bagheri Kani would proceed to visit Syria after Lebanon to meet with officials from both countries and the resistance front to discuss countering Israel.

Iran supports various armed factions in the region, with Hezbollah in Lebanon being one of the most powerful. Since October, Hezbollah has been engaging in clashes with Israeli forces along the Lebanon-Israel border, amidst Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This cross-border fighting has intensified, particularly following Israel’s incursion into Rafah in southern Gaza.

The ongoing border conflict has resulted in over 400 casualties on the Lebanese side, predominantly militants but also more than 70 civilians, while at least 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed on the Israeli side.

The risk of direct conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated since October 7, following an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Syria in April, which led to a series of retaliatory attacks. However, both countries have shown signs of reducing tensions recently.