France: Iran's Non-Interference in Lebanon is a Key Condition for Regional Stability

The spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry called for Iran to refrain from interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs, emphasizing that this is a crucial condition for establishing stability in the region. According to Reuters, Anis Romate Espani stated on Monday, November 13, during a press conference: "We hope that all those who have influence in Lebanon allow the political actors of this country to fully perform their duties." He added: "Mr. Saad Hariri asked Iran yesterday not to interfere in Lebanon and its neighbors. We believe this is an important condition for establishing stability in the region." Saad Hariri, the Prime Minister of Lebanon, who made strong criticisms against Iran during his sudden resignation in Saudi Arabia, warned again on Sunday night in an interview with a television network affiliated with his party about what he called "Iran's interference" in Lebanon's internal affairs, stating that such interference destroys Beirut's relations with other Arab countries. Iranian officials have consistently denied this accusation, and the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that Tehran considers the events concerning Mr. Hariri to be "an internal matter in Lebanon" and does not interfere in it. On the other hand, Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon, who is considered an ally of Iran, accused Saudi Arabia of pressuring Saad Hariri to resign and stated that Saudi Arabia aims to destabilize Lebanon by keeping him detained. However, Mr. Hariri announced that he would soon return to his country to proceed with his resignation according to Lebanon's constitution. The possibility of new sanctions against Iran due to its missile program was also highlighted by the French Foreign Ministry on Monday, which stated that if necessary, these sanctions would be implemented. The Islamic Republic has rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's request for negotiations regarding its missile program, asserting that Iran's missile program is purely defensive and unrelated to the nuclear agreement with world powers. The spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry remarked: "As you know, the European Union is currently imposing sanctions on entities involved in Iran's missile program. However, if necessary, new sanctions will also be imposed." Following the missile attack by Houthi rebels in Yemen on Riyadh International Airport, Saudi Arabia and the United States claimed that Iran provided the missile to the Houthis, thereby violating two United Nations Security Council resolutions. Iran has denied such accusations and held Saudi Arabia responsible for the continuation of the war in Yemen. In this context, Saudi Arabia has requested an urgent meeting of the Arab League regarding Iran.