Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi voiced surpirse after his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raggi, declined an official invitation to visit Tehran, citing “unsuitable conditions” at the present time.
Araghchi noted that countries maintaining “brotherly relations and full diplomatic ties” should not require neutral venues for dialogue. He added that Lebanon’s current circumstances, marked by “Israeli occupation and violations of the cease-fire” could justify Raggi’s reluctance to travel to Tehran.
Despite the setback, Araghchi said he accepted Raggi’s invitation to visit Beirut, stressing that Iran seeks to “open a new chapter” in bilateral relations in line with the principles outlined by the Lebanese minister.
Raggi had earlier apologized for not being able to travel to Tehran, arguing that the “appropriate atmosphere” was lacking. He insisted that declining the visit did not mean rejecting dialogue, underscoring that any constructive relationship must be grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He also reaffirmed that building a strong Lebanese state is only possible if the state alone, through its national army, holds the exclusive authority over weapons and decisions of war and peace.
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