Araghchi highlights Iran-Lebanon motivation to expand ties
FM to visit Beirut today
Iran’s foreign minister on Wednesday described his upcoming visit to Lebanon as a step toward strengthening ties with the Lebanese government and political establishment.
“This motivation exists both on our part and on the Lebanese one. An economic delegation will accompany me to strengthen trade and commercial ties ... we will promote relations to a strong and independent level, free from outside interference,” Araghchi told reports after a cabinet meeting.
The Iranian foreign minister is scheduled to visit Lebanon today.
The meeting comes as relations between the two countries have soured following Beirut’s decision to disarm Hezbollah resistance group under pressure from Israel and the United States.
Araghchi had earlier invited his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi to visit Iran. But the Lebanese top diplomat called for a meeting in a third country – an issue that has been rejected by the Iranian foreign minister.
In December, Araghchi said that he was “bemused” by his Lebanese counterpart’s decision not to accept Tehran’s invitation for an official visit. The top diplomat noted that while he was grateful for Youssef Raggi’s “kind invitation,” there was no need for “a neutral venue” for talks between countries with “brotherly and full diplomatic relations.”
Rejecting foreign interference
Referring to recent remarks by the US president about ongoing protests in Iran, he said the nation’s internal affairs are exclusively a matter of the Iranian people.
Araghchi stressed that Iran will not tolerate any foreign interference in its domestic affairs.
“Internal matters in Iran concern no one but the Iranian people. Any foreign attempts to interfere are unacceptable. The government is working with the people to resolve any issues, and no outside power has the right to dictate our internal affairs,” he emphasized.
Turning to international diplomacy, Araghchi denounced Washington’s obstructive approach, which he said makes meaningful negotiations impossible at present.
“Now is not the right time for negotiations, and this is due to US policies. We have never abandoned the negotiating table. We are always ready for talks based on mutual interests and respect, but the US government continues to pursue a confrontational and self-serving approach,” he explained.
Focusing on economic resilience, the minister outlined efforts to reduce reliance on hostile powers, adding, “Our Economic Diplomacy Department is now the most active section of the Foreign Ministry. We are expanding trade and economic cooperation, particularly with our neighbors, to bypass the obstacles imposed by the US.”
According to Araghchi, the provincial diplomacy program identifies local capacities and aligns them with regional opportunities to strengthen Iran’s economy independently. This approach has been warmly received across the country.
He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to national strength and removal of sanctions on its own terms.
“We have not forsaken our duty to remove sanctions, and we will act decisively and diligently when the opportunity arises, independent of US dictates,” Araghchi said.