Politics
Lebanon rejects the interference of Khamenei's advisor in its internal affairs
Lebanon rejects the interference of Khamenei's advisor in its affairs, raising questions about Iran's influence on Lebanese politics and the growing role of Hezbollah.
The historical and political background of Iranian-Lebanese relations
Relations between Iran and Lebanon date back decades, with Iran playing an influential role in Lebanese politics through its support for Hezbollah, a key player in Lebanese domestic politics. Hezbollah was founded in the early 1980s with Iranian backing and has since become a prominent political and military force in Lebanon.
Over the years, Iranian interference in Lebanese affairs has sparked widespread controversy both domestically and internationally. This interference has been particularly evident in the public statements made by Iranian officials regarding internal Lebanese issues, leading to frequent diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Lebanese reaction to Velayati's statements
In this context, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement condemning remarks made by Iranian Supreme Leader's advisor Ali Akbar Velayati regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah. The ministry described these remarks as blatant and unacceptable interference in Lebanon's internal affairs.
The Lebanese statement affirmed that such practices would not be tolerated under any circumstances, emphasizing that Lebanon's sovereign decisions are an internal matter concerning only the Lebanese people through their constitutional and democratic institutions. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry also called on Iran to focus on its own internal affairs instead of interfering in the affairs of other countries.
The Iranian position and Velayati's statements
For his part, Ali Akbar Velayati reiterated his country's opposition to disarming Hezbollah, noting that Iran considers the party an important part of the resistance against Israel and that it has historically helped the Lebanese people. These statements come amid international and regional calls for the disarmament of non-state armed groups in Lebanon as part of efforts to achieve internal stability.
Analysis and implications of the Saudi position
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been a supporter of Lebanon's stability and sovereignty, free from foreign interference. In this context, the Saudi position can be understood as support for Lebanese sovereignty and the Lebanese people's right to make their own decisions without external pressure. The Kingdom consistently strives to promote regional peace and stability by supporting the legitimate and constitutional institutions of Arab states.
Saudi support for Lebanon is seen as part of a broader strategy to bolster regional stability and counter Iran's growing influence in the region. This support reflects the Kingdom's commitment to the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference, in accordance with international law and diplomatic norms.
Challenges and future prospects of Iranian-Lebanese relations
With tensions between Lebanon and Iran persisting due to such statements and repeated interventions, the question remains how to achieve a sustainable balance between the various political forces within Lebanon and the regional actors influencing it. Strengthening internal dialogue and respecting national sovereignty may be key to future solutions and preventing further diplomatic and political crises.
In conclusion, Iranian-Lebanese relations remain complex and intertwined with many historical, political, and regional factors that require wise and balanced handling to ensure the stability of the entire region.
Politics
The commander of the joint forces receives the Yemeni Minister of Defense to discuss resolving the crisis
Details of the meeting between the Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Salman, and the new Yemeni Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Taher Al-Aqili, to discuss developments and efforts to end the Yemeni crisis.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance military and security coordination between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen, the Commander of the Joint Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd bin Hamad Al Salman, received the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Yemen, Lieutenant General Taher bin Ali Al Aqili, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters. This important meeting reflects the depth of the fraternal relations and shared destiny that unites the two brotherly countries in confronting current challenges.
Lieutenant General Salman began the meeting by congratulating the Yemeni Minister of Defense on his appointment, expressing his wishes for his success in fulfilling his weighty duties and responsibilities during this critical period. The meeting included extensive discussions on the evolving field and military situation within Yemen, as well as a review of efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and ensuring security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people.
The importance of joint military coordination
This meeting is of particular importance given the pivotal role played by the Joint Forces of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Direct coordination between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Ministry of Defense is the cornerstone of unifying military efforts, enhancing combat readiness, securing liberated areas, and countering threats to the security of Yemen and the region.
Context of the crisis and international efforts
This meeting comes at a time when the Yemeni arena is witnessing ongoing efforts aimed at finding sustainable political and military solutions to the protracted crisis. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its leadership of the coalition, consistently affirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the legitimate Yemeni government and its national institutions, not only militarily, but also through political, humanitarian, and developmental channels, to ensure the return of normalcy and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Towards a safe and stable future
Both sides concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need for continued consultation and close coordination to address all potential challenges. This military cooperation is an integral part of the comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring the Yemeni state and enforcing the rule of law, thus paving the way for a future of peace and prosperity and fulfilling the aspirations of the Yemeni people for a dignified life free from conflict and foreign interference.
Politics
Tehran and Washington: Nuclear talks to include energy and aircraft
An Iranian official revealed details of talks with Washington that included investments in energy and the purchase of aircraft, coinciding with Araqchi's visit to Geneva and the continued military tension in the region.
In a significant development in the complex diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington, Hamid Ghanbari, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, revealed a new Iranian strategy aimed at linking a return to the nuclear agreement to tangible economic benefits for the United States. Ghanbari explained that Tehran seeks an agreement that encompasses not only political and nuclear aspects but also includes mutual economic benefits to ensure the agreement's sustainability.
The Iranian official indicated that the current negotiations directly address vital issues, including shared interests in oil and gas fields, as well as joint fields and investments in the mining sector. Perhaps the most significant point in Qanbari's remarks was the explicit mention of including "aircraft purchases" among the negotiating items, a matter of utmost sensitivity and importance for Tehran, whose civilian air fleet has suffered from obsolescence due to long-standing sanctions.
Criticism of the previous agreement and the introduction of economic guarantees
In justifying this new approach, Ghanbari criticized the structure of the 2015 nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) with world powers, arguing that it "did not guarantee any economic interests for the United States." Tehran believes that the absence of direct US economic interests in the previous agreement facilitated Washington's subsequent withdrawal from it without incurring significant commercial losses. By proposing energy investments and aircraft deals (which could involve major companies like Boeing), Iran is attempting to create a network of interests that would make it difficult for any future US administration to dismantle the agreement again.
Diplomatic moves in Geneva amid military tension
These economic statements coincide with intense diplomatic activity, as the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi departed Tehran for Geneva. This visit is to participate in a new round of indirect talks with the United States regarding the nuclear issue, as well as to hold important meetings with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international figures, in an effort to break the ongoing deadlock.
Despite the resumption of negotiations this month to resolve the decades-long dispute and avert a military confrontation, the atmosphere is rife with threats of force. US officials have indicated that the United States is not only pursuing diplomacy but has also bolstered its military presence by deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region. This move serves as a clear deterrent, as Washington prepares for the possibility of a large-scale military campaign should diplomatic talks fail to curb Iran's nuclear program, placing the region at a critical crossroads between economic progress and a dangerous military escalation.
Politics
Israel approves land registration in the West Bank: a step towards annexation and Palestinian condemnation
The Israeli government has approved measures to facilitate land registration for settlers in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority rejects the decision, deeming it a de facto annexation that threatens the future of the two-state solution and the region.
In a remarkable development that deepens the complexities of the political and security landscape in the region, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a package of new measures aimed at tightening Israeli control over the occupied West Bank and facilitating land purchases and registrations for settlers, a move that has provoked angry reactions from the Palestinian side.
In detailing the decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that these moves are in line with his government's security vision, noting that the idea of establishing a Palestinian state represents an existential "security threat" to Israel, especially given the electoral challenges he faces later this year. For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz defended the decision, considering the transfer of land registration authority in the West Bank a "necessary security measure." The Security Cabinet, in its official statement, justified this step as a direct and appropriate response to what it described as "illegal land registration operations" promoted by the Palestinian Authority in Area C.
On the other hand, the decision was met with categorical rejection from the Palestinian Presidency, which stated that these measures constitute a "de facto annexation" of the occupied Palestinian territories, and an explicit declaration of the start of implementing plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through the expansion of illegal settlements, thus undermining any remaining opportunities to achieve peace based on the two-state solution.
The context of the conflict on land in the West Bank
This Israeli move comes within the context of a long history of conflict over land since the occupation of the West Bank in 1967. The issue of land registration is of paramount strategic importance, as vast areas of the West Bank, specifically Area C as defined by the Oslo Accords, are under full Israeli security and administrative control. Successive Israeli governments have consistently sought to bolster settlement activity in these areas, which constitute approximately 60% of the West Bank and are considered the strategic reserve of a future Palestinian state.
Political and legal repercussions
Observers and political analysts believe that allowing settlers to register their land represents a dangerous shift in the legal status of the West Bank, transferring authority from the military administration to civilian procedures similar to those applied within Israel—a process known as "creeping annexation." This shift not only threatens the territorial contiguity of any future Palestinian state but also presents the international community with new legal challenges regarding violations of international law and UN Security Council resolutions that deem settlements illegal.
This decision is expected to increase tensions on the ground, as Palestinians fear that these concessions will lead to the confiscation of more private and public lands, thus closing the door permanently to the political process and pushing the region towards further escalation and confrontation.
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