Iran Expresses Support for Lebanon in Ceasefire Talks with Israel

Iran has pledged its backing for Lebanon in efforts to secure a ceasefire with Israel as fighting intensifies in the region and continues to devastate Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut.

Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani, speaking during a visit to Beirut on Friday, stated that Tehran supports any decision taken by the Lebanese government, signalling a desire to end the ongoing conflict.

The escalation has been severe, with Israeli airstrikes pounding Hezbollah-controlled southern Beirut for four consecutive days. On Friday, strikes flattened five buildings, including one near Tayouneh, a central traffic hub.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a memorial ceremony on Oct. 28, 2024, for those murdered by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023. via REUTERS

Video footage showed a building collapsing into rubble, sending debris clouds into Horsh Beirut, the city’s largest park.

The Israeli military claimed the strikes targeted munitions depots, headquarters, and other Hezbollah assets. In a rare move, the military warned about the strikes in advance through social media posts.

Diplomatic efforts to end the violence appear to be gaining momentum. On Thursday, the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon reportedly presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Berri, who has Hezbollah’s endorsement to lead negotiations, met with Larijani the following day. At a press conference, Larijani denied any intention to undermine the U.S. initiative, stating, “We are not looking to sabotage anything.

We are looking for a solution to the problems.” He also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of disrupting the peace process, adding, “Those who are disrupting are Netanyahu and his people.”

Israel’s Energy Minister Elie Cohen speaks during in Nov. 2023. REUTERS

The conflict has deep roots in the relationship between Iran and Hezbollah. Tehran has provided the group financial and military support since its founding by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982.

In the current conflict, Hezbollah has suffered significant losses, including the death of its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and other senior commanders.

However, the group continues to launch rocket attacks into Israel while battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

In parallel, Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism about a ceasefire. Energy Minister Eli Cohen described the prospects as the most promising since the conflict began.

Reports suggest that Netanyahu is eager to finalise an agreement to secure an early foreign policy win for his ally, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Achieving a ceasefire remains challenging. World powers insist that any agreement must comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.

However, Israel’s demand for freedom to act against future Hezbollah violations has been rejected by Lebanon.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasised Lebanon’s position during a meeting with Larijani, calling for an end to “Israeli aggression” and prioritising the implementation of Resolution 1701. Larijani reiterated Iran’s support for this stance.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict is staggering. Over a million Lebanese have been displaced, and Lebanon’s health ministry reported more than 3,445 deaths since October 7.

This figure includes casualties from intensified attacks since late September, but the ministry has not distinguished between civilians and combatants.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah attacks have killed approximately 100 people in northern Israel, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon over the past year.

International peacekeepers have also been caught in the crossfire. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an artillery shell struck its headquarters in Shama on Thursday, causing minor damage but no injuries.

Italy, whose personnel were endangered in the incident, has protested with Israel. Additionally, a UNIFIL convoy accident near Shama on the same day resulted in the death of one French peacekeeper and injuries to three others.

The European Union has condemned attacks on healthcare workers following an Israeli strike near Baalbek that killed 12 paramedics.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called such attacks “a grave violation of international humanitarian law.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, both Lebanon and its allies, including Iran, are calling for an end to Israeli aggression while adhering to U.N. mandates.

However, Israel’s insistence on additional security guarantees remains a sticking point, complicating prospects for a resolution.