Lebanon's foreign minister rejects Iran visit

• Youssef Rajji declines Tehran visit, proposes neutral-country talks
• Lebanon says dialogue remains open if based on sovereignty and non-interference

Lebanon’s foreign minister Youssef Rajji has postponed a planned trip to Tehran, choosing instead to suggest meeting Iranian officials in a neutral third country, according to the National News Agency.

Rajji cited “current conditions” for avoiding travel to Iran and emphasized that the decision did not signal any refusal to engage. He did not offer further details.

- Call for balanced ties -

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had invited Rajji last week for discussions on bilateral relations. Rajji said Beirut is prepared to open a new chapter with Tehran if relations adhere to mutual respect, full recognition of sovereignty, and a firm commitment to non-interference in domestic affairs.

- Hezbollah reference -

Rajji also stated that no stable state can emerge unless the government maintains exclusive control over weapons, a remark widely read as alluding to Hezbollah’s arsenal. The movement has long been backed by Iran but suffered major setbacks after Israeli strikes last year and now faces growing pressure at home and abroad to hand over its arms.

- Recent exchanges -

Tehran has stepped up outreach in recent months. In August, senior Iranian official Ali Larijani visited Beirut, urging Lebanese leaders not to “confuse its enemies with its friends”. Two months earlier, Araqchi said Iran hoped to open a “new page” in ties.