Iran inspires all resistance movements around globe, says Lebanese speaker

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has described Iran as the main source of resistance in the region which also inspires all resistance movements around the world.

Berri made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Beirut on Thursday afternoon.

“Berri described Iran as the main source of resistance in the region as well as a source of inspiration for all resistance movements worldwide,” according to a readout of the meeting provided by Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

At the same time, he criticized the move by some Arab countries to normalize ties with the Israeli regime, saying they turned their back on the Palestinian cause by the move.

Pointing to fuel shortages in his country, Berri said Iran made good on its promise of sending fuel to Lebanon and showed its solidarity with and support for the Arab country in difficult times.

However, the US has so far failed to fulfill its pledge of providing Lebanon with the needed energy despite pretending to be activating a gas pipeline project, he added.

Iran began to send fuel to Lebanon last August through the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, which announced the purchase of Iranian fuel shipments after the Lebanese government failed to deal with the country’s crippling fuel shortages.

In the immediate aftermath of the development, the US claimed to support a plan for Lebanon to import fuel from other regional countries with the aim of countering what it called Iranian influence.

During the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian voiced Tehran’s readiness to cooperate with Lebanon in meeting its energy needs, including its electricity and gas needs.

Iran stands prepared to expand mutual economic and trade cooperation with the friendly and neighborly state of Lebanon, in parallel with a mutual implementation of bilateral agreements, he said.

FM: Iran respects Lebanese sovereignty, ready to aid Lebanon if officially asked

Iran’s foreign minister says the Islamic Republic is ready to help Lebanon if the Lebanese government officially asks for Tehran’s help.

The two sides also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the multilateral endeavors in Vienna to restore the 2015 Iran deal.

“We are against war whether it is in Afghanistan, Yemen, or Ukraine. At the same time, the imposition of unilateral sanctions by Western states is also unacceptable to us. The Islamic Republic of Iran encourages a resolution of the developments in Ukraine through political dialog,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

Iran rejects prolongation of Vienna talks: FM

Pointing to the Vienna talks, he said Iran is serious about achieving a “good, lasting deal” in the negotiations. At the same time, he added, Iran does not seek a prolongation of the process and will not cross its own red lines.

Amir-Abdollahian expounded on the issue further during a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

“We are optimistic and at the same time serious about the outcome of the Vienna talks. In our view, the [possible] agreement should be such that the removal of [US] sanctions is done maximally,” he said.

According to the chief Iranian diplomat, the Islamic Republic will not abandon its red lines at the Vienna talks, which were launched a year ago on the assumption that the US is willing to rejoin the Iran deal under the administration of Joe Biden.

For his part, the Lebanese prime minister hoped that the talks will lead to a successful outcome, which would bring about positive impacts for the entire region, including Lebanon.

FM: Iran ready for Vienna deal but not at cost of its red lines

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Iran is ready for a good, strong and lasting agreement in Vienna, but not at the expense of crossing its red lines.

Mikati also referred to the talks between Tehran and Riyadh to restore their relations, saying Lebanon will benefit from the resolution of differences between the two regional powers.

In yet another meeting, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib welcomed a détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

“Iran-Saudi Arabia talks can provide an opportunity to help advance intra-Yemeni dialogue and resolve the crisis in that country,” he stated.

Bou Habib expressed hope that he would visit Iran in the near future.

Iran’s foreign minister hoped that the expansion of bilateral economic cooperation and trade will help Lebanon overcome its crisis.

He also said Iran believes that political solutions must be pursued to resolve disputes and end wars.

On Friday, Amir-Abdollahian and his accompanying delegation met with Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest political situation and developments in Lebanon and the region, according to the Lebanese al-Manar TV channel.

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