Upon arriving at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport today, Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared that “the Zionist entity is violating its commitments under the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.” He stated that a primary goal of his visit is to strengthen bilateral relations, emphasizing that “our region is currently facing numerous challenges and unprecedented threats from Israel.”
“We are prepared for any eventuality,” Araqchi asserted. “We do not desire war, but we are ready for it, and we are also ready to negotiate on the basis of mutual respect.”
Expressing pleasure at visiting Beirut again, Araqchi outlined his agenda: “Tomorrow I am scheduled to meet with various Lebanese officials… my primary and foremost objective is to address various regional and international issues.” He confirmed meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, and the Lebanese Foreign Minister.
عراقجي في بيروت: هدفي تعزيز العلاقات بين إيران ولبنان… وجاهزون للحـ . ـرب وكذلك للتفاوض pic.twitter.com/oQwMEWqfhG
— قناة المنار (@TVManar1) January 8, 2026
He emphasized continuous regional consultations, noting the visit “comes at a crucial time for Lebanon,” and affirmed Iran’s determination to enhance cooperation. “We believe that the Lebanese government’s position is the same as ours,” he said, reiterating Iran’s support for “Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.”
Highlighting deep historical and cultural ties, Araqchi pointed to economic potential, citing trade exceeding $110 million last year. “This figure… demonstrates the extent of the available potential,” he said, confirming a scheduled meeting with the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade to explore avenues for joint cooperation.
Reception and Itinerary
Araqchi, leading an economic delegation, was received at the airport by Khalil Hamdan, representing Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, MPs Hassan Ezzeddine and Hussein Hajj Hassan, protocol officials, and the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon.
Hamdan conveyed greetings from Speaker Berri, stating the visit “reflects the depth of the historical relations between the two peoples.”
According to the official schedule, Araqchi’s first meetings today are with Sheikh Ali Khatib, Vice President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, and Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Bsat. He will also pay a tribute at the shrine of the late Sheikh Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
On Friday, he will meet with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, President Michel Aoun, Grand Mufti Abdul Latif Derian, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
The visit will also include a panel discussion and a signing for his book, The Power of Negotiation, which details his diplomatic experience in managing complex negotiations under international pressure.
Source: Al-Manar English Webste