عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Iran’s FM: Lebanese Presidential Elections Are an Internal Matter, We Support Consensus

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian among his entourage during his visit to the Lebanese border town of Maroun al-Ras (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian among his entourage during his visit to the Lebanese border town of Maroun al-Ras (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Iran’s FM: Lebanese Presidential Elections Are an Internal Matter, We Support Consensus

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian among his entourage during his visit to the Lebanese border town of Maroun al-Ras (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian among his entourage during his visit to the Lebanese border town of Maroun al-Ras (Asharq Al-Awsat)

From Beirut, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian declared on Friday an agreement to reopen the Iranian and Saudi embassies in Riyadh and Tehran in the coming days. The top diplomat expressed his belief that dialogue between the two nations could positively impact the region and Lebanon.

He also stated that influential political forces in Lebanon possess the capacity to elect a president for the country.

Amir-Abdollahian emphasized Iran’s support for a consensus and agreement among the Lebanese.

The minister’s statements came during a press conference held yesterday at the end of his two-day visit to Beirut, during which he met with several officials, lawmakers, and Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.

Amir-Abdollahian also visited the border town of Maroun al-Ras in southern Lebanon, accompanied by Hezbollah officials and lawmakers, where he toured the border area.

At the presser, the minister announced an agreement to reopen the Iranian and Saudi embassies in Riyadh and Tehran. He also mentioned preparations for a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Syria in the near future.

“We believe that influential Lebanese political forces have the capability and necessary efficiency to complete the political process and elect a president for the republic,” stated Amir-Abdollahian.

“We support consensus and agreement among the Lebanese, and Iran will welcome any distinguished Lebanese figure who reaches the presidency through consensus,” he added.

Amir-Abdollahian stressed that “Iran did not and will not interfere in the Lebanese election of a president, and when the Lebanese agree on any person, Iran will support it strongly.”

He added that “electing a president for the republic is an internal Lebanese matter, and it is up to the Lebanese to decide for themselves.”

Amir-Abdollahian also emphasized that Iran prioritizes openness and communication with neighboring countries and that the recent positive developments between Iran and Saudi Arabia are beneficial not only for the two countries but for the entire region.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Judicial Source: Lebanon Arrests 2 Suspected Hezbollah Members over Explosives

This photograph taken during a media tour organized by Hezbollah shows a flag of Hezbollah installed on the balcony of a damaged building at Nabi Sheet town after an Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by FADEL itani / AFP)
This photograph taken during a media tour organized by Hezbollah shows a flag of Hezbollah installed on the balcony of a damaged building at Nabi Sheet town after an Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by FADEL itani / AFP)
TT
TT

Judicial Source: Lebanon Arrests 2 Suspected Hezbollah Members over Explosives

This photograph taken during a media tour organized by Hezbollah shows a flag of Hezbollah installed on the balcony of a damaged building at Nabi Sheet town after an Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by FADEL itani / AFP)
This photograph taken during a media tour organized by Hezbollah shows a flag of Hezbollah installed on the balcony of a damaged building at Nabi Sheet town after an Israeli military operation in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, on March 7, 2026. (Photo by FADEL itani / AFP)

Lebanese authorities arrested two suspected Hezbollah members accused of secretly transporting half-a-ton of explosives, a judicial source told AFP on Saturday.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the two men were caught Thursday afternoon at a security checkpoint in Dahr al-Baidar in Lebanon's east, near a road linking the country with Syria.

They were in a car heading towards Beirut.

After searching the vehicle, security forces seized "250 kilograms of TNT-type explosives and 250 kilograms of C4-type, a highly explosive substance,” the source said.

Based on initial investigations, one of the suspects is the son of a Hezbollah official and the other is also a member of the group, according to the source.

The explosives' destination remains unknown, the source added.

Lebanese authorities have not confirmed the source's information.

But Justice Minister Adel Nassar vowed on X Saturday that "the investigation into the seized explosives, and everything that follows from it, will continue to the very end.”

He insisted that work toward "disarming illegal groups, combating terrorism and prosecuting all outlaws is... irreversible and speeding up.”

Lebanon approved a plan to disarm Hezbollah in 2025, following a ceasefire the previous November that ended a devastating war between the group and Israel.

However, the conflict flared back to life in March this year when Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of Iran in the Middle East war.

Israel invaded in response and now occupies a band of territory in Lebanon's south.

A new ceasefire was struck in June, and Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a framework deal that involves Hezbollah's disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the region.

Arab World

MSF: Houthi Escalation Leaves Thousands of Yemenis Without Shelter

A relief worker walks among the tents at a temporary shelter for displaced people north of Aden (AFP)
A relief worker walks among the tents at a temporary shelter for displaced people north of Aden (AFP)
TT
TT

MSF: Houthi Escalation Leaves Thousands of Yemenis Without Shelter

A relief worker walks among the tents at a temporary shelter for displaced people north of Aden (AFP)
A relief worker walks among the tents at a temporary shelter for displaced people north of Aden (AFP)

The ordeal is far from over for the thousands of Yemenis who have fled the Houthi escalation in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah.

Reaching safer areas did not mark the end of their struggle, as many families found themselves without shelter after traveling long distances on foot under intense heat, only to face hunger, disease, and a shortage of clean water amid growing risks of malnutrition and cholera.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned of deteriorating health and living conditions among displaced people in the governorates of Lahj and Aden, noting that those fleeing the escalation are experiencing high rates of severe acute malnutrition, cholera, acute watery diarrhea, measles, and other infectious diseases. At the same time, their ability to secure food, clean water, and medical care continues to decline.

According to MSF, the latest wave of escalation has displaced families from areas along Yemen’s western coast that have come under Houthi control, leaving them once again facing harsh conditions after abandoning their homes, possessions, and livelihoods in search of safety.

Conditions documented by mobile medical teams reveal the extent of the displaced population’s suffering. Many have traveled long distances across desert terrain in extreme heat, with no guarantee of access to food, water, or shelter from the harsh weather.

“Displaced people who cannot find shelter in host communities, and formal or informal camps have been seen by our teams on the road or sleeping under the shade of trees,” MSF said.

Those who have settled around Lahj governorate “are in critical need of medical and humanitarian support, including water and sanitation services in the informal places where they settle, such as schools and mosques. The risk of waterborne diseases, like cholera, is increasing rapidly in the current conditions.”

The consequences of displacement extend far beyond the loss of homes and the hardships of the journey. Women and children face growing health risks amid worsening food insecurity, the loss of income and livelihoods, and the struggle to meet basic needs, making daily survival a constant challenge for families forced to flee.

“In the many camps across Lahj and Aden governorates, 70 percent of the patients treated by MSF mobile clinics are women and children. People present with skin infections, fever, diarrhea, and communicable diseases,” MSF said.

“The long walks have caused foot injuries and ear and eye infections,” it added.

The risks are even greater for children suffering from malnutrition, as their chances of obtaining adequate nutrition and regular healthcare continue to decline due to poverty, displacement, and limited access to medical services. MSF teams have identified cases of severe acute malnutrition among children requiring specialized medical intervention.

Food insecurity and declining sources of income, coupled with a rise in cholera cases, are further exacerbating the health challenges faced by displaced people. Many are struggling to access medical facilities or obtain the referrals needed for essential treatment.

“In response to the needs of displaced people, we sent mobile clinics across Aden and Lahj governorates, with 775 total consultations since 15 September. Twenty children were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition,” said MSF.

For families that have traveled long distances in search of safety, the struggle does not end once they leave conflict zones behind. Instead, a new battle begins: securing food, drinking water, and shelter to protect their children from heat and disease.

As needs continue to grow, the urgency of providing shelter, food, healthcare, and clean water for displaced people becomes increasingly evident. These are families who have been forced to abandon their homes and start over under extremely harsh conditions.

Arab World

Lebanon Welcomes Trump's Move to Lift 41-year US Flight Ban

FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: FILE PHOTO - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: FILE PHOTO - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
TT
TT

Lebanon Welcomes Trump's Move to Lift 41-year US Flight Ban

FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: FILE PHOTO - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: FILE PHOTO - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Saturday that President Donald Trump's decision to revoke flight restrictions between Lebanon and the US that were imposed four decades ago was an indication of American confidence in steps taken by Lebanon to address civil aviation safety.

Direct flights between the US and Lebanon were suspended in 1985 by the Reagan administration following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

Trump made the surprise announcement that he would allow American carriers to resume direct flights to Lebanon during a visit by Aoun to Washington in July.

While he ordered the lifting of the restrictions nearly two weeks ago, the decision was publicly announced on Saturday.