Lebanese Foreign Minister Declines Invitation to Visit Iran, Citing Unfavorable Atmosphere

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rigi apologized on Wednesday for not accepting an invitation to visit Iran, the main backer of Hezbollah, stating that the "favorable atmosphere for the visit is not available." He instead suggested meeting in a "neutral third country."

Details of the Refusal and Conditions:

• Declining Visit: Rigi informed his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, of his apology for not accepting the invitation "under the current circumstances."

• Willingness to Talk: He clarified that the refusal "does not mean rejecting discussion," but reflects the lack of a conducive environment.

• Alternative Proposal: Rigi renewed his invitation to Araghchi to meet in a "neutral third country to be agreed upon."

• Future Terms: Rigi stressed his readiness to establish a "new era of constructive relations" between Lebanon and Iran, strictly based on "absolute mutual respect for the independence and sovereignty of each country and non-interference in its internal affairs."

Political Context:

• The refusal comes amid US pressure and fears of Israeli escalation.

• Lebanese authorities recently approved a plan to disarm Hezbollah, a step opposed by both the group and Tehran.

• The Iranian invitation, received earlier this month, was for "consultations on the development of bilateral relations and discussion of regional and international developments."