Iran FM arrives in Beirut to discuss 'challenges' with leaders, 'brother' Rajji

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived Thursday in Beirut at a crucial time, as the government convened in Baadba to discuss its plan to disarm Hezbollah.

Araghshi said the main aim of his visit is to discuss "challenges" that Lebanon is facing amid ongoing Israeli occupation and attacks.

He said he will meet with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and his "brother and counterpart" Youssef Rajji.

Rajji had refused last month Araghshi's invitation to visit Iran, and said he'd rather meet with him in a "neutral" third country but that Araghchi is "always welcome to visit Lebanon".

He said that Lebanon is willing to establish a "new era" of constructive relations with Iran, "based exclusively on mutual and absolute respect for the independence and sovereignty of each country and non-interference in domestic affairs in any way and under any pretext."

Araghchi responded that "the foreign ministers of countries with brotherly diplomatic ties do not need a neutral place to meet," adding that he gladly accepts Rajji's invitation to visit Beirut.

"We also want to open a new chapter based on the values that Rajji mentioned," Araghchi said.

Araghshi condemned Thursday, from Beirut's airport, Israel's attacks on Lebanon and on six other countries, and its violations of a ceasefire deal reached last year with Lebanon.