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G7 Demands Iran Stop Supporting Armed Militias.. in the Middle East
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Ministers' discussions on supporting UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces indicate a Western desire to enhance stability in Lebanon as a step to contain the conflict in the region
Defense ministers of the G7 countries held a meeting in Naples, Italy, on Saturday, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The ministers called on Iran to cease providing support to movements such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, emphasizing the importance of supporting UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces in ensuring Lebanon's stability and security.
Italy, which currently chairs the group, put the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine on the agenda, in addition to the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Discussions focused on recent developments in Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel continues its military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, amid fears of a large-scale regional war breaking out.
The meeting also addressed the situation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), especially after some of its soldiers were injured by Israeli fire, which sparked a wave of international condemnation. Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, during her recent visit to Beirut, considered "targeting UNIFIL unacceptable."
The ministers also discussed the situation in Ukraine, where Kyiv's forces face difficulties as the third winter since the Russian invasion approaches. The G7 approved a program in June to use interest earnings on frozen Russian assets to lend Kyiv $50 billion.
However, there are indications of declining Western support for Ukraine, with the possibility of a radical change in U.S. policy towards Kyiv if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential elections.
This meeting comes at a sensitive time, as tensions escalate in the Middle East with the continuation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, and growing fears of the conflict expanding. The G7's focus on these issues reflects an international desire to contain the crisis and avoid comprehensive regional escalation.
Levant-Agencies
