Hezbollah claimed that it’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, received a message from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlining Tehran’s position on regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict.
According to the statement, Iran reaffirmed its continued support for what it described as “movements demanding rights and freedom,” naming Hezbollah as a central component of what it calls the “resistance axis.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Islamic Republic “will not abandon its support until the very last moment,” framing this commitment as part of its ideological doctrine linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The message further stated that since the early stages of regional mediation efforts, Iran has consistently proposed linking any broader regional settlement to a ceasefire in Lebanon, describing this approach as a “firm principle” and part of its national position.
In its latest diplomatic proposal, reportedly delivered via a Pakistani mediator, Tehran reiterated its call for a “permanent and stable cessation of hostilities,” stressing that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire arrangement.
“Lebanon Negotiates for Itself”
In parallel to regional diplomatic exchanges, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said on seperate occasions that Lebanon conducts its negotiations independently and should not be drawn into regional alignments.
Aoun emphasized on April 17 that the Lebanese state will “negotiate for ourselves and decide for ourselves.”
In another official statement, he further clarified Lebanon’s position on governance and decision-making. “Responsibility for any negotiations to secure Lebanon’s national interest lies solely with the Lebanese state,” he said.
He also stressed that Lebanon must not be “a card in anyone’s game,” reinforcing the principle of sovereign decision-making in foreign policy. In other statements addressing critics of negotiations, the president referred to the cost of continued conflict, saying: “What has your war brought us?”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has also taken a firm stance rejecting external influence over Lebanese decision-making. “Lebanon will not accept, in any form, any interference in its internal affairs, and expects from the Iranian side a clear and explicit commitment to respect these principles.”
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