News - Middle East: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Lebanon as he met with Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem in Beirut.

Araghchi placed a premium on Iran’s relations with Lebanon during the meeting on Wednesday.  

Iran, the minister said, is willing to stand by Lebanon in “economic, political, and social affairs based on mutual respect.”

Sheikh Qassem expressed gratitude for Iran’s support for the Lebanese people and the resistance movement Hezbollah, according to the movement’s statement.

Qassem took over as chief of Hezbollah in 2024, after Israel assassinated the iconic leader of the resistance movement, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Qassem also underscored Iran’s “positive” role in the region and the Islamic Republic’s support for the Palestinian cause.

The Lebanese resistance leader also told Araghchi of Hezbollah’s “work to revive Lebanon and its stability and sovereignty.”

Qassem said Hezbollah would also work for the expulsion of the Israeli occupiers from the Lebanese territory, the statement said.

In violation of the ceasefire agreement of November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah, the regime has kept troops in five areas in Lebanon. The Israeli military still carries out regular strikes on Lebanon.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Iran’s Ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani, the two sides also discussed the latest regional developments.

Araghchi arrived in Beirut on Tuesday and met senior officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi.

Araghchi told reporters on Tuesday that “Iranian companies are ready to take part in Lebanon’s reconstruction.”

Israel’s bombardment of southern Lebanon has left behind considerable damage and destruction.

In a Wednesday post on X, Araghchi said during the trip he expressed his full support for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“Our goal and hope is to open a new page in our centuries-long ties, built on mutual respect and common interests,” he stated.

Press TV