Beirut: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raggi, on Friday received Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his accompanying delegation, with talks described by the Foreign Ministry as "frank and clear" on a number of issues and challenges facing Lebanon, as well as on bilateral relations.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Araghchi said Iran seeks to build relations with Lebanon on the basis of goodwill and mutual respect between the two governments and their institutions, stressing the importance of continued dialogue despite differences on certain files. He affirmed Iran's interest in Lebanon's independence, unity, and sovereignty, considering that defending the country is the responsibility of the Lebanese government. The Iranian Minister also stated that Iran supports Hezbollah as a resistance group but does not interfere in its affairs, adding that decisions related to Lebanon are left to the party itself.

For his part, Raggi welcomed Araghchi, describing him as a "friend," and reiterated Lebanon's desire for the best relations with Iran, while expressing the hope that Iranian support would be directed to the Lebanese state and its institutions. He stressed that defending Lebanon is the responsibility of the state alone, which must hold the decision of war and peace and monopolize arms, calling on Iran to explore a new approach to the issue of Hezbollah's weapons so they are not used as a pretext to weaken Lebanon.