On Friday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, issued a rare and pointed criticism of Iran, accusing it of “blatant interference” in Lebanese affairs. This came after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly expressed Tehran’s willingness to negotiate the implementation of United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Mikati’s statement was prompted by comments attributed to Ghalibaf in an interview with France’s Le Figaro, where the Iranian official said Iran was ready to discuss the resolution with France. Mikati rejected the notion of Iran negotiating on behalf of Lebanon, insisting that the implementation of the resolution is the responsibility of the Lebanese state alone. He further asserted that “everyone is required to support” Lebanon’s efforts to enforce the resolution, warning against the imposition of “new mandates” on the country.
The criticism from Mikati marks an unusual public rebuke of Iran, particularly given Tehran’s close ties to Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite militia that holds significant influence in Lebanon. Hezbollah, heavily armed and backed by Iran.
Mikati’s government is under pressure to maintain stability within Lebanon, which has been deeply affected by the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah’s military capabilities far exceed those of the Lebanese army, and the group has maintained its arms despite a 2006 resolution that calls for only Lebanese and UN forces to operate in southern Lebanon. Israel, in turn, has pledged to continue fighting Hezbollah until its northern border is secured.
As fighting continues, with both sides reporting daily clashes, Mikati has expressed Lebanon’s readiness to bolster its military presence in the south if a ceasefire is reached. He indicated that the government would recruit additional troops to enforce Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territory. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has signaled an escalation in its operations following the announcement of the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
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