Iran’s threat to attack Israel from Lebanese territories sparked outrage in Beirut that condemned Tehran for transforming the country into a “mailbox for the Iran Revolutionary Guards.”
Caretaker Defense Minister Elias Bou Saab deemed the threat a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Senior Guards commander Morteza Qorbani told Mizan News: “If the Zionist regime makes the smallest mistake toward Iran, we will reduce Tel Aviv to ashes from Lebanon.” He added that Iran would not need to fire a single missile from its territories.
Elias Bou Saab slammed the remarks, tweeting: “These statements are unfortunate and unacceptable. They are a violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon, which enjoys ties of friendship with Iran that should not infringe on its independent decision-making in any way, shape or form.”
Caretaker Information Minister Jamal al-Jarrah said Qorbani’s remarks are “irresponsible” and “arrogant.”
They are a violation against Lebanon's sovereignty, people and state, he said in a tweet.
“Iran may defend itself in any way it likes, but Lebanon is not the Guards’ mailbox or an arena for foreign actors,” he stressed.
MP Nadim Gemayel called on Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, President Michel Aoun and caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri to issue a clear response to Qorbani’s statements.
