The Islamic Republic Urges Lebanese Parties to Agree on the Election of a New President

On Thursday, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran called on rival Lebanese parties to reach an agreement on the election of a new president. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart in Beirut, stated that Tehran supports any election and agreement that results from discussions among various Lebanese groups regarding the selection of a new president. Amir-Abdollahian's remarks came during his first visit to the crisis-stricken country following the resumption of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh, mediated by Beijing, in March of this year. Lebanese Foreign Minister Najib Mikati also expressed optimism about the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, deeming it 'good' for Lebanon and 'important' for peace in the region. Lebanon has been without a president since October of last year, and dozens of parliamentary sessions to elect a new president have failed. Currently, Suleiman Franjieh, an ally of Hezbollah, and General Joseph Aoun are the main candidates for the Lebanese presidency. The largest Christian blocs in the Lebanese parliament have rejected the election of Mr. Franjieh as president, and some local reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is also opposed to his selection. The Iranian embassy in Riyadh has been reopened, coinciding with the visit of Saudi officials to Iran, while the sign of 'Sheikh Nimr' was taken down in Mashhad. There has been a temporary seizure of assets belonging to two Lebanese parliament members in connection with the Beirut explosion. The head of Lebanon's national security expressed concern over 'political paralysis' and 'social collapse,' stating that the election results could be catastrophic. Nabih Berri has been elected as the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament for the seventh time.