Iran backs stable, independent Lebanon free from foreign occupation: FM Araqchi says after Aoun election as president

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Islamic Republic supports a "stable, secure and independent" Lebanon as the Arab country elected president to end a two-year political deadlock.

News ID: 5736

Date: 10 January 2025 - 21:42

TABNAK, Jan 10: Araqchi congratulated Joseph Aoun for his election as Lebanon's new president through a message on his X account.

"Iran supports a stable, secure and independent Lebanon, home to all Lebanese, and free from foreign occupation and threat," the top diplomat wrote in Arabic.

“As in the past, we will cooperate with any government that represents the aspirations of the Lebanese people, ensures their welfare and protects Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” the top Iranian diplomat said.

Aoun secured 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament to win the presidency in a second round of voting on Thursday.

His victory, which saw members of parliament erupting in celebration as he reached the required threshold of 86 votes, came on the legislature’s 13th attempt to find a successor for Michel Aoun – not related – whose term ended in October 2022.

Following his election, Aoun who had served as the 14th commander of the Lebanese armed forces since 2017, formally stepped down from his military role. He entered parliament to take the oath of office dressed in civilian attire.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also felicitated the new Lebanese president, voicing Tehran’s readiness to further enhance cooperation in "all fields" with Beirut.