Iran backs Lebanon in ceasefire talks, seeks end to ‘problems’

Citing two senior Lebanese political sources , news agency Reuters reported that the US ambassador to Lebanon had presented a draft ceasefire proposal to Lebanon’s parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, the previous day. Berri, endorsed by Hezbollah to negotiate, met senior Iranian official Ali Larijani on Friday.

When asked at a news conference whether he had come to Beirut to undermine the US truce plan, Larijani said, “We are not looking to sabotage anything. We are after a solution to the problems.” He added, “We support the Lebanese government in all circumstances. Those who are disrupting the process are Netanyahu and his people,” referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hezbollah, founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, has been armed and financed by Tehran. A senior diplomat, speaking anonymously, suggested that more time was needed to reach a ceasefire but remained hopeful it could be achieved.

The outgoing US administration appears eager to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, despite efforts to end the related conflict in Gaza remaining stalled.

Global powers have stated that a Lebanon ceasefire must be based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the previous 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. Its terms require Hezbollah to move weapons and fighters north of the Litani River, which runs about 20 km (30 miles) from the border. Israel insists on the freedom to act if Hezbollah violates any agreement, a condition Lebanon has rejected.

In a meeting with Larijani, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged support for Lebanon’s stance on implementing Resolution 1701, calling it a priority, along with halting “Israeli aggression,” according to a statement from his office. Larijani stressed that Iran supports any decision made by the Lebanese government, especially regarding Resolution 1701.

Israel launched its ground and air offensive against Hezbollah in late September, following nearly a year of cross-border hostilities alongside the Gaza conflict. Israel claims the aim is to secure the return of tens of thousands of Israelis who were forced to evacuate northern Israel under fire from Hezbollah. Israel’s campaign has displaced more than 1 million Lebanese, creating a humanitarian crisis.

Ceasefire Prospects

On Thursday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, told Reuters that the prospects for a ceasefire were the most promising since the conflict began. The Washington Post reported that Netanyahu was eager to push forward with a Lebanon ceasefire to secure an early foreign policy win for his ally, US President-elect Donald Trump.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,386 people since October 7, 2023, the majority of them since late September. The ministry does not distinguish between civilian casualties and fighters. Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in the deaths of around 100 civilians and soldiers in northern Israel, the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon over the past year, according to Israel.