Beirut, Oct 4 (EFE).- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that his visit to Beirut is “clear evidence” of Tehran’s support for the Shiite group Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Shiite group is fighting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon as Israel continues to bomb the country.
“Being in Beirut today in these difficult circumstances, while it is being bombed all the time, is clear evidence that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports as always Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiites and all the Lebanese people,” the Iranian diplomat said in a brief appearance in the Lebanese capital.
Araghchi made the remarks as Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area known as the Dahye which is a major Hezbollah stronghold in the capital that has been pummeled with daily, large-scale airstrikes for the past two weeks.
Iran’s foreign minister also referred to talks to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon, an issue he addressed during meetings he held during the day with Lebanese authorities such as Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an important Hezbollah ally.
“Our discussions continue with the rest of the countries to establish a ceasefire. We are supporting the relevant efforts provided that, firstly, the rights of the Lebanese people are taken into account and, secondly, that the truce is parallel with a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.
He also alluded to Iran’s ballistic missile attack this week against Israel, which was in response to the assassination a week ago of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah and the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran at the end of July.
“This attack was in self-defense, according to the principles of the UN Charter. We did not start the attack,” said Araghchi, who recalled that Israel also bombed its consulate in Damascus and carried out attacks on Iranian territory in recent months.
He also pointed out that Iran had so far only launched attacks against military targets in Israel, while he denounced that Israel “attacks civilians in residential areas, women and children”.
“We do not intend to continue (the escalation), unless the Zionist regime decides to continue its attacks,” he added, while reiterating that if Israel responds, Tehran’s retaliation ”will be stronger, more convenient, comprehensive and well-considered.” EFE
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