Iran’s foreign minister in Beirut as strikes continue

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Beirut – landing only a few hours after series of massive air strikes on southern suburbs of the city. In the past few minutes, more have been reported.

This is the first official and announced visit by a high ranking Iranian politician since Israel targeted and killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

After he landed, he said Iran backed efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon if Hezbollah support it – and if it coincides with a ceasefire in Gaza.

Araghchi is in Beirut at a time when nothing looks in favour of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Some here blame Iran for “putting Hezbollah under pressure” to take part in Hamas’s fight with Israel after 7 October, but didn’t provide the support that the group needed..

Although Iran’s recent attack created a moment of excitement for the supporters of Tehran and Hezbollah, that mood was temporary and now again there are criticisms in the media and on the streets.

On the other hand, anti-Hezbollah parties see this as a war that Iran brought to them.

During his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Araghchi says: “Iran will launch a diplomatic campaign to support Lebanon”, Lebanese media report.

But for such a campaign, one should have cards in hand to play. For years Iran’s cards were allied paramilitary groups like Hezbollah. At the moment, it is hard to see how that campaign will be done and how that will work, when Iran itself now is on the verge of becoming a target in this war.