Iran denies interference in Lebanese affairs amid accusations from PM Mikati

Iran has firmly rejected allegations made by Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who accused Tehran of interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs following comments attributed to Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Ghalibaf expressed Iran's readiness to negotiate the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is seen as essential for achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

This resolution stipulates that the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers should be the only forces present in southern Lebanon.

Mikati criticized Ghalibaf's remarks, labelling them as “blatant interference” and an attempt by Iran to impose an “unacceptable guardianship” over Lebanon. In response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denied any intention or action by Iran to meddle in Lebanon's domestic issues.

“We hold discussions with any country that has an initiative and a proposal to end the crimes and aggression against Lebanon and the genocide in Gaza,” Baghaei stated, emphasizing that there had been a “misunderstanding” concerning Ghalibaf's comments.

Iran has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in recent days, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visiting multiple countries to advocate for ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza, as well as strategies to manage the escalating conflicts in the region.

Baghaei also remarked on the regional maturity in addressing peace, stating, “Protecting peace in the region is our common duty.”

This diplomatic push comes as Iran braces for a retaliatory attack from Israel, following a recent barrage of around 200 ballistic missiles launched at Israel by Tehran in retaliation for the killing of several Iran-backed militant leaders and a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Baghaei concluded by asserting that Iran’s neighbouring countries would not allow their territories to be used for attacks against any Islamic nation in the region.

By Khagan Isayev