Hours after the United States presented Lebanon with a ceasefire proposal between Hezbollah and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s Senior Advisor and Special Envoy to Lebanon, Ali Larijani, held separate meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.
Lebanese media reported that U.S. Ambassador in Beirut, Lisa Johnson, had delivered a draft ceasefire agreement between the Israeli army and Hezbollah to Speaker Nabih Berri.
Al-Jadeed TV quoted unnamed sources as stating that Ambassador Johnson, on behalf of U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein, presented Speaker Berri with a proposed solution based on UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701. While Al-Jadeed did not provide details of the agreement, it noted that “Berri will respond to the proposal after consulting with Hezbollah.”
Shortly after the ceasefire proposal was delivered, Khamenei’s aide, Ali Larijani, arrived in Beirut.
According to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Mikati, Larijani and his delegation were received by Mikati. During the meeting, Mikati emphasized that “the stance of the Lebanese state must be supported in terms of implementing UNSC Resolution 1701, promoting national unity, and avoiding positions that could create sensitivities among the Lebanese or favor one side over the other.”
Larijani, in response, expressed that Iran recognizes that stopping the attacks, establishing a ceasefire, and implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 are the priorities of the Lebanese government. He assured that Iran supports any decision made by Lebanese authorities, including the election of a president agreed upon by the Lebanese.
A statement from Speaker Nabih Berri’s office indicated that their meeting included discussions on the general situation in the region, continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and refugee issues.
After the meeting, Larijani told the press that he had engaged in consultations with Lebanese officials to address the challenges arising from Israeli aggression.
When asked whether Iran aimed to disrupt the agreement following the U.S. proposal to Speaker Berri based on UNSC Resolution 1701 to ensure a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Larijani stated: “We don’t want to break anything. We are looking for solutions. We support Lebanon in all circumstances. Those who are spoiling the situation are Netanyahu and his gang. Recognize your friends and enemies.”
Larijani reiterated that Iran would support any agreement endorsed by Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah, and that Supreme Leader Khamenei had conveyed this message to Speaker Berri.
