BEIRUT/ISTANBUL

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem met in Beirut on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to review regional developments and their implications for Lebanon and the wider Middle East, according to a statement released by the group.

The talks addressed continued Israeli military actions and what Hezbollah described as repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in November 2024.

Qassem said Israel’s actions showed no commitment to the truce despite Lebanon’s fulfillment of its obligations south of the Litani River, stressing that sustained military pressure would not achieve Israel’s objectives.

He said that Hezbollah would continue coordination with the Lebanese state and army to end the Israeli occupation, halt hostilities, secure the release of detainees, advance reconstruction efforts and support state-building.

Araghchi said Iran seeks to strengthen relations with Lebanon within the framework of state-to-state ties, noting that his visit, accompanied by an economic delegation, aims to expand cooperation in multiple sectors.

He also rejected what he described as external pressure and threats against Iran, saying they would not undermine Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program or its defensive capabilities.

During the visit, Araghchi also held meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Lebanon’s presidency said Aoun expressed readiness to enhance economic and trade relations with Iran, emphasizing cooperation based on mutual respect, transparency and non-interference.

According to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, Rajji underlined that any foreign support should be channeled exclusively through state institutions, stressing that decisions related to defense, weapons and war must remain under state authority.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon’s independence, unity and territorial integrity, while calling for continued dialogue despite differing approaches on some issues.

The visit comes amid Israeli media reports of potential escalation against Hezbollah, as Lebanon moves forward with a government-approved plan to restrict weapons to state control, a process the Lebanese army said has entered an advanced stage, while warning that ongoing Israeli attacks continue to hamper its implementation.

The ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel ended more than a year of cross-border attacks amid the war in Gaza. More than 4,000 people were killed, and 17,000 others were injured.

Under the ceasefire, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January, but it only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.