In an unprecedented move, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati publicly rejected the position of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Ghalibaf had stated that Tehran was ready to negotiate with France regarding the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Mikati viewed this statement as a “blatant interference in Lebanese affairs and an attempt to impose an unwelcome guardianship over Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, the head of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, emphasized that he would not accept a “Hezbollah mini-state” after the war. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Geagea said, “The concept of a mini-state embodied by Hezbollah’s actions has led Lebanon to its current situation,” warning that “we are heading towards more killings, deaths, and disasters.” Geagea is not concerned about Hezbollah potentially turning inward after the war. He remarked, “It is not acceptable, regardless of the war’s outcome, to return to the situation that existed in Lebanon before the war. We have seen where this has led us, and we cannot allow it to continue.”
In a related context, U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned that there is a possibility of working towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, but he acknowledged that it would be “more challenging” in Gaza. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Berlin, Biden said he is aware of how Israel intends to respond to the missile attacks launched by Iran and when, but he refrained from providing further details.
Iran and Lebanon’s relationship has been significantly influenced by the activities of Hezbollah, which operates as a key ally of Iran in the region. The current tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have deepened due to Iran’s backing of the group, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and along the Lebanon-Israel border.
The tensions have escalated notably since October 2023, following an attack by Hamas on Israel. This event triggered almost daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, displacing tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. As of 2024, the conflict has intensified, with Israel launching deeper strikes into Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues to retaliate, although at a smaller scale.
Iran has been actively involved, supporting Hezbollah as a strategic part of its regional influence. In October 2024, Iran launched a significant missile attack on Israel, marking its direct engagement in the conflict. This further strained the situation in Lebanon, as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has placed additional pressure on Lebanon’s already fragile economy and political stability.
