Bassil, Lavrov Discuss Russian Role in Lebanon

The FPM leader met Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow
The FPM leader met Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow
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Bassil, Lavrov Discuss Russian Role in Lebanon

The FPM leader met Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow
The FPM leader met Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow

Head of the Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil discussed on Thursday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his deputy Mikhail Bogdanov the situation in Lebanon.

Bassil praised the Russian role in Lebanon and the broader region, stressing that Moscow does not interfere in Lebanese internal affairs, but instead pushes for the implementation of much-needed reforms.

"Russia has assumed many roles that are advantageous to us … such as the repatriation of displaced Syrians," he said during a press conference after meeting Lavrov in Moscow.

Bassil underlined the dire need for Lebanon to make radical reforms and to form a government of experts backed by the key political and parliamentary groups.

He stated that he asked Lavrov to hold a conference to encourage the return of the displaced Syrians.

“We also encouraged Russia to engage in the process of Lebanon’s development by contributing to several investment projects," he said.

The FPM hopes that Bassil’s trip to Moscow could dispel rumors that Russia has put blame on him for the delay in the formation of a new government in Lebanon.

Presidential Advisor for Russian Affairs Abu Zeid told Asharq Al-Awsat that during his meetings with Russian officials, Bassil stressed the need to swiftly form a government by asking Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to work with President Michel Aoun on agreeing on a line-up.

Hariri has not been able to form a cabinet six months after he was chosen for the post amid deep disagreements between him and Aoun.

One of the main points of difference includes Aoun’s rejection of Hariri’s plan to choose some Christian members of the new government.

Bassil is Aoun's son-in-law.



Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
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Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Iraq is nervously eyeing the potential fallout from a conflict that could have deep and lasting consequences for the country.

While Iraqi authorities and political parties maintain a publicly cautious and reserved stance, behind closed doors, concerns are mounting over what many see as Iraq’s overreliance on Iran in critical sectors such as energy and trade.

A political source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that, although officials are holding back from public commentary, there is a growing consensus among political actors that Iraq could face significant disruption regardless of how the conflict unfolds. “There’s an unspoken recognition that many things will change after this war,” the source said.

Already, early signs of strain are surfacing. Iraq’s Ministry of Trade unveiled a new contingency plan this week to safeguard food security amid fears of disrupted supply chains.

Spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun stated the plan aims to “ensure continuity of essential supplies without significant price hikes,” through the buildup of strategic reserves and strengthened market oversight to prevent hoarding or price manipulation.

Security services, meanwhile, reported the arrest of 660 individuals accused of exploiting regional instability. More visibly, daily life is beginning to feel the pressure: consumer activity is slowing, prices of some goods are creeping up, and travel logistics have grown more complex.

With Baghdad International Airport temporarily closed, Basra has become the only functional air entry point. According to sources, the cost of returning to Iraq by land via Jordan has soared from $70 to $250 per passenger.

Experts warn that Iraq’s economic fragility and its deep entanglement with Iran leave it acutely vulnerable. Dr. Siham Youssef, a professor of international economics, explained that Iraq’s heavy dependence on oil exports - comprising over 90% of state revenue - offers little cushion in times of geopolitical upheaval.

While global oil prices have risen by 8% to 12%, Youssef cautioned that any benefit could be wiped out by rising transportation costs, insurance premiums, or damage to infrastructure.

Compounding the issue is Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas for electricity production. If the conflict interrupts Iranian gas flows, Iraq may face severe power shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure on an already stretched budget.

Shipping risks are also increasing, with Iraq’s ports located dangerously close to potential conflict zones. Youssef noted that international shipping and insurance firms may soon classify Iraqi ports as “high-risk,” leading to surging logistics costs. Additionally, the closure of Iraqi airspace threatens not only civil aviation but also the loss of overflight revenues.