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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Tehran, December 14 (Xinhua) — Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday rejected accusations by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji that Tehran is interfering in Beirut's internal affairs, describing diplomatic relations between the countries as "centuries-old" and strong.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei commented on the tensions during his weekly press conference. Earlier, Raji publicly alleged Iranian "interference," and media reports surfaced that he was blocking the inauguration of Iran's new ambassador to Beirut.
E. Baghaei emphasized that the exchange of ambassadors is proceeding as usual, adding that the new Lebanese envoy recently assumed his duties in Tehran. Regarding the Iranian ambassador in Beirut, he reported that Iran "has submitted the relevant requests and completed the necessary procedures." The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed hope that the process "will proceed naturally."
Responding to Y. Raja's accusations, E. Baghaei stated that Iran refuses to engage in discussions that distract from Lebanon's national interests. He stated that the priority should be "defending Lebanon from Israel's ongoing crimes" and preserving its sovereignty. The Iranian diplomat called on Lebanese factions to prioritize dialogue to counter "Israeli domination."
Tensions between Iran and Lebanon erupted last month after Y. Raji posted on the social media site X, citing alleged warnings from Iranian officials about the consequences of disarming Hezbollah, which he viewed as foreign interference. Y. Raji reiterated his accusations in a recent interview with the Lebanese television channel MTV and invited his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to meet in a third country.
A. Araghchi denied allegations of Iranian interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. He declined to meet in a third country, but welcomed dialogue to strengthen bilateral relations and invited Y. Raji to visit Iran. However, on December 10, the Lebanese Foreign Minister declined the invitation, continuing to insist on a neutral venue. On December 11, A. Araghchi wrote in X that his colleague's refusal to visit "raises confusion."
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