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.

Levant - Agencies

Iranian Militias Redeploy in Al-Bukamal: Evacuating Headquarters and Reducing Visibility Disturbances in the Heart of Beirut: Displaced People Seize Properties and Security Forces Respond

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.