Today, Vice President of the Supreme Shiite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, held a series of meetings in Tehran with a number of Iranian officials, most notably Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where he presented the reality of the situation in Lebanon and the south, and submitted a written memorandum that included numbers and data about the repercussions of the Israeli attacks, displacement, and the economic reality.
Al-Khatib met Araghchi at his residence in the “Azadi” Hotel, and gave him a detailed presentation on the situation in Lebanon, especially in the south, in light of the continuing Israeli attacks and the resulting martyrdoms, destruction, and bombing of homes and institutions.
Al-Khatib explained that a large number of displaced southerners have become without shelter or work, after depleting their savings during the years of war, noting that many of them currently reside in areas close to areas controlled by Israel, which exposes them and their families to dangers.
He pointed out that agricultural areas and productive institutions are idle, and said that he wanted to convey this image to Iranian officials, adding: “We are exposed to external war and internal conspiracy, and we fear for our people in the next stage.”
Al-Khatib added that the Iranians, despite the difficult circumstances, “are able to withstand while they are in their homes,” in contrast to what the displaced people are suffering in Lebanon. He said: “We raise the voice of the Shiites in Lebanon to you, and we fear that the Americans and the Israelis will achieve their goals through economic pressure on our people.”
He continued: “You have placed a red line on the Israelis not to bomb Beirut and the suburb, and for us the south is as important as Beirut, if not more,” considering that continued Israeli control over the south poses a threat to the Shiite presence in Lebanon.
He pointed out that the owners of destroyed homes need alternatives, explaining that the council requested help from China and Spain, which have shown willingness, but no aid has arrived so far, expressing hope that the people will be financially supported to get through the current stage.
For his part, Araqchi confirmed that Iranian officials are aware of the situation in Lebanon through embassy reports and “brothers in Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.”
He said: “We achieved a diplomatic victory through the memorandum of understanding, at the forefront of which is the ceasefire in Lebanon,” adding that there were those who encouraged the United States to violate what was agreed upon.
He pointed out that Iran is seeking to revive the memorandum of understanding, and said: “We cannot forget Lebanon, and our conditions are clear. We are 90 million people, so let us consider ourselves and you 95 million. And be confident that we are by your side.”
In response to a question about the possibility of a solution after the Israeli elections, Araqchi said that the process will continue until after the elections, considering that the political life of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is linked to its results, and that “Lebanon will be his trump card.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Araqchi confirmed that he would convey what Al-Khatib presented to Iranian officials.
Al-Khatib also met with the advisor to the Iranian president, Sheikh Mohammad Hassan Akhtari, and the head of the International Academy for the Rapprochement of Sects, Ayatollah Shahriari, and informed them of the reality of the situation in Lebanon and the south, and submitted to them two memorandums in this regard.
