Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met on Tuesday with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is visiting Beirut as part of a diplomatic tour aimed at reinforcing Tehran’s ties with Lebanon and discussing key regional issues, including Iran’s nuclear file and the situation in southern Lebanon.

During the meeting, President Aoun stressed Lebanon’s desire to enhance “state-to-state” relations with Tehran, saying that bilateral ties must be based on mutual respect.

Aoun also highlighted the urgent need to reconstruct areas damaged by past Israeli military operations, saying it remains “a top priority” for the government.

“We are working in coordination with brotherly and friendly countries, in line with applicable laws, to rebuild what was destroyed by the Israeli war on Lebanon,” he said.

For his part, the Iranian Foreign Minister reiterated Tehran’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as for efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation.

“Our support for Lebanon comes within the context of the good relations between our two countries and our firm commitment to non-interference in Lebanon’s domestic affairs,” he said,  voicing Iran’s endorsement of national dialogue in Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, Araghchi held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Rajji at the Foreign Ministry in Beirut. Discussions centered on regional and international developments, the status of the Iranian nuclear negotiations, and ways to strengthen bilateral relations. According to a statement from the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, the talks were marked by a “frank and direct” exchange of views.

Minister Rajji told his Iranian counterpart that Lebanon was counting on Tehran to support its security, stability, and internal peace at a time of unprecedented national challenges. He urged Iran to play a constructive role in backing Lebanon’s sovereignty and its diplomatic push to recover territories still occupied by Israel, halt repeated Israeli violations, and assert the state’s authority over all Lebanese territory.

Rajji emphasized that all weapons in Lebanon must be placed under the exclusive control of the state and that international support for Lebanon should be delivered solely through the government and official institutions to aid reconstruction and economic recovery.

While thanking Tehran for its longstanding support, Rajji cautioned against the continued use of force, stating that "military adventures" had failed to end the Israeli occupation. He stressed that solutions must come through diplomacy, and warned that no reconstruction aid would be forthcoming as long as Hezbollah remains armed.

For his part, Araghchi said his visit signaled Iran’s desire to open a “new chapter” in relations with Lebanon, especially in light of changing conditions across the region.

“In Iran’s foreign policy, neighboring countries and the West Asia region remain a top priority,” Araghchi said.

According to Al-Hadath, the Iranian Foreign Minister affirmed that disarmament is a domestic Lebanese issue, noting that diplomacy alone may not be sufficient for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

Speaking at Beirut’s airport upon arrival, the Iranian FM reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We have always supported Lebanon and will continue to do so, especially in these difficult circumstances,” he said. “We hope to start a new phase in our relations based on mutual respect. We do not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs.”

Following his meetings with President Aoun and Minister Rajji, Araghchi visited Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at his residence in Ain al-Tineh. The Iranian diplomat is expected to hold further talks with Lebanese officials before wrapping up his visit.