Beirut: House Speaker Nabih Berri hosted the Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani, and his delegation at Ain El-Tineh Palace, with Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani also present. The meeting focused on developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as Lebanese-Iranian bilateral relations.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Larijani expressed satisfaction at meeting with Speaker Berri shortly after his previous visit to Lebanon. He emphasized Lebanon's status as a friendly nation with which Iran frequently consults on various issues amidst the rapidly changing regional landscape. Larijani also participated in a ceremony honoring resistance leaders who were martyred defending their homeland, paying tribute to Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Martyr Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, and other martyrs from Lebanon and Palestine.
Larijani described his dialogue with Speaker Berri as "constructive and beneficial," particularly in enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges. He expressed a desire for strong and independent regional countries, especially in the face of Israeli conspiracies. Larijani advocated for regional cooperation, urging countries to set aside past disagreements and adopt cooperation as the foundation for their relationships.
In response to questions about the positive impact of Iranian-Saudi rapprochement on Lebanon, and Iran's reception of Sheikh Naim Qassem's call to Saudi Arabia, Larijani praised and supported Sheikh Naim Qassem's initiative. He emphasized Saudi Arabia's status as a sister country to Iran and highlighted the importance of cooperation, given the shared enemy. Larijani assured that this move would support and reassure the Lebanese people, emphasizing Hezbollah's role as a barrier against Israel and its commitment to the well-being of the Lebanese people.
Larijani affirmed Lebanon's strength in confronting Israel due to the determination of its younger generation, and the enduring legacy of Hezbollah and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in the hearts of Muslims. Responding to questions on Iran's potential role in fostering closer relations between Saudi Arabia and Hezbollah, Larijani acknowledged the importance of cooperation between the two, given their shared enemy.
The Iranian official advocated for Lebanese officials to resolve internal issues through consensus, emphasizing the Lebanese people's rationality and independence from external guardianship. Larijani dismissed the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran, stating readiness for all scenarios and warning of a strong response if necessary.
Addressing concerns about Hezbollah's initiative toward Saudi Arabia and its current strength, Larijani clarified that Hezbollah's position stems from rationality, not weakness. He highlighted Hezbollah's success in rebuilding and regaining strength, which enabled it to confront Israeli aggression effectively.