Beirut, Lebanon— In a show of solidarity, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced that Iran will continue to back Lebanon “with all its strength” during a press conference in Beirut on Saturday. Qalibaf's remarks followed his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, where he reaffirmed Iran's commitment to supporting the decisions of the Lebanese government and the Islamic Resistance. Speaking to reporters, Qalibaf expressed Iran's readiness to assist displaced and war-affected Lebanese under government supervision. He proposed the establishment of a humanitarian air bridge to facilitate this aid, underscoring the urgency of the situation in Lebanon.
The Iranian delegation’s visit comes in the wake of a recent surge in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which has escalated significantly since the beginning of the Gaza war one year ago. Qalibaf expressed condolences over the death of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, further highlighting the gravity of the ongoing conflict. During his visit, Qalibaf toured al-Noueiri, a densely populated area in central Beirut severely impacted by Israeli airstrikes that claimed the lives of at least 22 individuals and injured 117 others.
He met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, where the focus was on immediate actions to establish a ceasefire, halt Israeli aggression, and ensure the safety of Lebanese citizens. In his statements, Qalibaf emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and called for bolstering the Lebanese army's presence in the southern region. He urged Lebanese officials to engage with international partners, including the United Nations, to exert pressure on Israel for full compliance with the resolution.
Since September 23, Israel has ramped up its airstrikes across Lebanon, particularly targeting Beirut and its suburbs. The renewed conflict traces back to last year when Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas at the onset of the Gaza war. As tensions continue to rise in the region, Iran’s commitment to Lebanon highlights the deepening alliance between the two nations amid ongoing hostilities with Israel.
