Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi arrives in Lebanon amid rising tensions

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in Beirut just hours after Israeli airstrikes hit the perimeter of Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanese state media reported.

The Lebanese National News Agency confirmed the arrival, stating, “An Iranian plane has landed at the Rafik Hariri International Airport with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on board.”

This marks the first visit by a senior Iranian official since the Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Araghchi is expected to hold meetings with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who is a close ally of Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Diplomatic meetings planned

Araghchi’s visit comes at a critical time, with tensions escalating across the region following Nasrallah’s death and increasing military action from Israel. According to his schedule, the Iranian foreign minister will meet with key Lebanese political figures, including Berri and Mikati, to discuss regional developments and Iran-Lebanon relations.

The visit is seen as a significant show of support for Hezbollah, particularly after Nasrallah’s assassination, and underscores Iran’s influence in Lebanon’s political landscape.

Regional rensions escalate

The Israeli airstrikes targeting the airport’s perimeter earlier in the day reflect heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. The strikes and the killing of Nasrallah have further fueled the conflict.