Iran Ready to Play Role in Settlement of Yemen Crisis

During his visit to Beirut, the top Iranian diplomat held a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun to discuss a range of issues, including the expansion of bilateral ties as well as the regional and international developments.

“We closely monitor the developments in Lebanon and are a friend and a supporter of this country both in difficult days and during the times of calm. We are ready for all types of cooperation with this friendly country in its current difficult juncture,” Amirabdollahian said.

The Iranian foreign minister pointed to the fast pace of developments in the region and said, “We believe these developments will be in the interest of Lebanon and the entire region.”

“Based on the information that we have, we are positive regarding the region’s future and the outcome of negotiations,” he stated.

Amirabdollahian then voiced Iran’s preparation to make use of its own capacities to play a role in resolving the crisis in Yemen.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, he added, welcomes Syria’s relations with the region and Arab countries.

For his part, Aoun pointed to the economic hardships that his country is facing, saying any problem in the region negatively affects Lebanon and, inversely, any problem in Lebanon leaves a negative impact on the region, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

“Unfortunately, we are living in a region where there is a web of problems. While the Arab states are agitated, we are suffering from the issue of Syrian refugees; therefore, we should move toward stability,” the Lebanese president said.

Aoun noted that Lebanon’s resistance movement, which has the support of Iran, managed to grow in the south and brought peace of mind to the country, but Lebanon comes under pressure because of the very same resistance movement.

The Lebanese president finally expressed hope that the Vienna negotiations would yield successful results.