Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun after the latter’s comments on Tehran’s role in Lebanon.
In a post on the US social media company X, Araghchi said Aoun’s remarks created the impression that Iran, rather than another actor, was responsible for Lebanon’s current challenges.
Araghchi’s reference to another action is thought to be Israel who are carrying out bombings in Southern Lebanon despite a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed, brokered by the US.
There has been little condemnation of the Israeli attacks in Lebanon, Gaza or any of its other neighbours by the US who are brokering ceasefires which Israel signs, then continues its war crimes. Other western powers have voiced “concerns” on a regular basis but have not taken any further steps.
“Based on Mr. Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis,” he wrote.
The Iranian foreign minister also rejected the notion that Lebanon was being used by Tehran as leverage in negotiations.
“Had Lebanon been bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” he said.
Araghchi concluded his message by urging the Lebanese president to focus on what he described as Beirut’s “real foe”.
The remarks came in response to comments made by Aoun during an interview with CNN, in which the Lebanese president discussed Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The exchange highlights growing public differences between Beirut and Tehran over regional developments and Lebanon’s position amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. – AA and ONM reporter
