Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian this morning, Friday, at the Grand Serail. They discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries, regional and international situations, and recent developments in southern Lebanon and Gaza. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized "the necessity of diplomatic efforts from all parties to stop the ongoing events in Gaza and protect Lebanon."
For his part, the Iranian minister warned that "the events in Gaza could extend to other areas in the region if Netanyahu does not stop his destructive war against the Strip. What Hamas has done is a response to Netanyahu's policies and Israel's crimes." He added, "Our main concern is the security of Lebanon and maintaining calm there, which is the goal of my visit. I propose holding a meeting of regional leaders to discuss the situation."
Afterwards, Amir-Abdollahian went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, where he met with the caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, and confirmed in a press conference that "what we are witnessing in Gaza today are war crimes committed by the Zionist entity against Palestinian children and women." Amir-Abdollahian pointed to "an agreement between Lebanon and Iran on the urgent need to stop the war crimes perpetrated by the occupation against the defenseless Palestinian people." He announced that "Iran has called for and is ready for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Tehran."
For his part, Bou Habib stated: "Lebanon has never sought war or wanted it, and we warn that the continuation of escalation will ignite the region and threaten security and peace there," indicating that "we are in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers, and we call for lifting the siege and delivering aid to Gaza."
Later in the afternoon, Amir-Abdollahian and his accompanying delegation visited Ain El-Tineh to meet with the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri. The meeting addressed the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as the repercussions of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip. Amir-Abdollahian had met the night before with Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, where they reviewed recent events and developments in the region, particularly after the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation and the continuous Israeli aggression against Gaza and the brutal crimes committed against the people of Gaza, as well as incidents at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the West Bank. They assessed the situation, international and regional positions, and potential outcomes. A consultation also took place regarding the responsibilities of all parties and the positions that must be taken in response to these historical events and serious developments.
