Lebanon’s foreign minister said Arab and international parties have warned Beirut that Israel is preparing a wide military operation, while accusing Iran of playing a destabilizing role in Lebanon and the wider region.
“We have received warnings from Arab and international parties that Israel is preparing for a wide military operation against Lebanon,” Foreign Minister Youssef Raji told Al Jazeera on Friday. He said Beirut was “intensifying diplomatic contacts to keep Lebanon and its facilities out of any Israeli strike.”
Raji said Hezbollah’s arsenal has failed to protect Lebanon or support Gaza, as the Lebanese state pushes to bring all weapons under national control.
“Hezbollah’s weapons have proven ineffective in supporting Gaza and defending Lebanon,” he said, adding that the government is in dialogue with the group to persuade it to hand over its arms. “But Hezbollah refuses,” he said.
Lebanon has tasked its army with extending state authority nationwide following a ceasefire with Israel that took effect in late 2024 after more than a year of cross-border fighting.
Iran ties and conditions for dialogue
Raji said Iran’s role in Lebanon and the wider region has fueled instability, while stressing that Beirut remains open to talks with Tehran under clear conditions.
“Iran’s role in Lebanon and the region has been very negative,” he said. “We have a problem with Iran, but we are open to dialogue, provided it stops interfering in our internal affairs and halts funding an illegal organization in Lebanon.”
Iran has long backed Hezbollah and has resisted international and domestic calls for the group to disarm, arguing that continued Israeli actions justify its armed presence.
Diplomatic exchange with Tehran
Raji’s remarks follow a diplomatic exchange with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who earlier this month invited his Lebanese counterpart to visit Tehran. Raji declined the invitation, citing unfavorable conditions, and proposed meeting in a neutral third country.
In response, Araghchi said he understood Lebanon’s position given ongoing Israeli actions and said he would accept an invitation to visit Beirut. He said Iran also seeks “a new chapter” in relations based on mutual respect and sovereignty.
