Iran Claims Response to Mikati: "No Intention to Interfere in Lebanese Affairs"

Iran Claims Response to Mikati: "No Intention to Interfere in Lebanese Affairs"
Iran's statements about non-interference in Lebanese affairs contradict its clear influence through Hezbollah, raising questions about the credibility of its official position
October 21, 2024, 10:44 pm

نجيب ميقاتي

The official spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqai, stated that his country rejects the accusations made by Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati of interfering in Lebanese affairs. He added that Tehran does not intend to interfere in Lebanese affairs or the affairs of any other country.

Baqai explained that the optimal solution to settle the political crisis in Lebanon lies in conducting a Lebanese-Lebanese dialogue, indicating that the issue of electing a president is a matter for the Lebanese and the active forces on the political scene, including Hezbollah.

The spokesman confirmed that Iran is ready to consult with any country that proposes initiatives to stop Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

This response comes after Mikati called on the Iranian leadership in a televised interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath on Sunday evening to "reduce emotion towards his country," stressing the Lebanese government's rejection of any external dictates or interventions. He criticized statements by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf about taking over negotiations with France regarding the implementation of Resolution 1701.

With the expected date of Israel's response to the Iranian missile attack earlier this month approaching, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned against targeting nuclear sites. He explained that his country had alerted the International Atomic Energy Agency about Israeli threats to its nuclear facilities.

He emphasized that Tehran is following with concern the threats to target its nuclear facilities, considering them unacceptable and condemned according to international charters and resolutions, including Resolution 533. He confirmed that Iran considers these threats a danger to international peace and security, noting that an official protest has been submitted to the IAEA and the UN Security Council. In response to a question about the possibility of Iran changing its nuclear doctrine, Baqai replied: "There is no place for weapons of mass destruction in our policy."

It's worth noting that Tel Aviv has repeatedly confirmed that its response to Tehran will be painful and surprising, while Washington urged it to take a measured response to avoid the outbreak of a wider war in the Middle East. The US President has also publicly opposed striking nuclear or even oil facilities inside Iranian territory.

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