Iranian delegation in Beirut meets with Lebanon's troika leaders
The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun for discussions on regional developments.
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Iranian delegation led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf (4th from left) meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (4th from right) in Beirut, February 23, 2025 (IRNA)
An Iranian government delegation visiting Beirut for the funeral ceremony of Resistance leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The delegation then met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tini and then went on to hold talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Among the attendees were Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Abolfazl Amouei, the Parliament speaker’s special assistant for international affairs, and lawmaker Sayyed Mahmoud Nabavian.
Ghalibaf and other officials traveled to Lebanon on Sunday morning to witness the historic funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s martyred secretary general, and his companion and successor, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, both of whom were assassinated by the Israeli regime late last year.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Ghalibaf described the funeral as a defining moment for the Resistance Front, the Islamic world, and the Lebanese people.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, the senior Iranian official hailed Nasrallah as a figure of pride and dignity for the Islamic world, emphasizing his legacy as a symbol of resistance against "Israel’s" genocidal war in Gaza.
Despite the martyrdom of its leaders, Lebanon stands proud, having restored security to its territory following months of Israeli aggression, Ghalibaf added.
Iranian delegation meets Berri, Salam
Later, Speaker Nabih Berri received his Iranian counterpart and the accompanying delegation at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain al-Tineh, in the presence of the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.
The meeting discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations between Lebanon and Iran and ways to enhance cooperation between the parliaments of both countries.
In a statement following the meeting, Ghalibaf said his visit to Lebanon was to participate in the funeral ceremonies of the martyred leaders Sayyed Nasrallah and Sayyed Saffiedine.
Ghalibaf added that his visit to Lebanon was an opportunity to express Iran’s solidarity with Lebanon during this significant event. Speaking on Lebanon-Iran relations, Ghalibaf said he looks forward to strengthening cooperation between the two countries under the new government. He reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Lebanese government, the Lebanese people, and the Lebanese Resistance in any consensus-based decision they make.
Later, Salam received Ghalibaf and his delegation at the Grand Serail. During the meeting, Ghalibaf congratulated Salam on the formation of the Lebanese government.
For his part, Salam affirmed that the Lebanese state is making every effort through diplomatic and political means to pressure "Israel" into completing its withdrawal from Southern Lebanon. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to rebuilding areas destroyed by the recent Israeli aggression.
On another note, Salam stated that "the safety and security of the airport and travelers is the primary consideration governing the operation of flights to and from Martyr President Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, and this responsibility lies with the Lebanese state."
People of the world bid farewell to Sayyeds Nasrallah, Safieddine
A momentous funeral procession was held on Sunday in Beirut for Hezbollah’s two late secretaries generals, leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. The ceremony took place at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, where tens of thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects.
As the coffins of the two leaders entered the stadium, the crowd erupted in chants of allegiance, "Labbayka Ya Nasrallah" (At your service, Nasrallah), "We remain committed to the pledge, Nasrallah," and "Far from us is humiliation."
The stadium and the dozens of large screens and speakers spread throughout the Lebanese capital were echoing with iconic speeches made by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as the world bid farewell to the great leaders.
The two leaders, in their caskets, donned with Hezbollah flags, were driven out onto the stadium as people could be seen crying and weeping out of sorrow over the great loss they endured.
Amid the ceremony, the Israeli occupation forces violated Lebanon's sovereignty and airspace, flying fighter jets at incredibly low altitudes over the Lebanese capital. The roar of the engines was met with deafening roars from the people, who chanted in support of the martyred leader, affirming that they would not be deterred by a petty attempt at intimidation.
Mourners came from several countries across the world to participate in the grand funeral of Sayyed Hassan and Sayyed Hashem, here's what they had to say.#Lebanon #AlMayadeen pic.twitter.com/uiCRH2cHpF
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 23, 2025