Beirut – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is scheduled to visit Beirut following an official invitation from his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raji. The invitation comes just a day after Minister Raji declined an invitation to visit Tehran for direct talks.
Araqchi announced his acceptance of the invitation on social media, stating he would “gladly accept the invitation to Beirut.” However, he expressed bewilderment at Raji’s initial reluctance to visit Tehran. He noted that foreign ministers of countries with “full diplomatic relations” typically do not require a neutral location for discussions.
“Given the Israeli occupation and blatant violations of the ceasefire, I fully understand why my respected Lebanese counterpart is unwilling to visit Tehran,” Araqchi added.
Minister Raji stated on Wednesday that “current circumstances” prevented him from traveling to Tehran, emphasizing that this decision did not signify a rejection of dialogue with Iran. He reportedly extended the invitation to Araqchi to visit Beirut via an official diplomatic message.
Raji indicated that Lebanon is prepared to embark on a new phase of relations with Iran, built upon “mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference.”
In his message, Raji reiterated Lebanon’s stance on the issue of weapons within the country, stressing that building a strong state requires the state alone – through its legitimate institutions and army – to hold the exclusive right to decide on matters of war and peace, and the right to possess arms.
These developments occur amidst ongoing international pressure, particularly from the United States and Israel, aimed at pushing the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah. The group has consistently rejected any external discussions regarding its weapons arsenal.
