FM Rajji to Al Jazeera: Lebanon faces significant challenges from Iranian influence

Lebanon's Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, told Al Jazeera that the country faces significant challenges from Iranian influence, stressing that Beirut remains open to dialogue with Tehran, provided Tehran ceases interference in Lebanon's internal affairs.

"The Iranian role in Lebanon and the region is highly negative, and Tehran's policies are a source of instability," the minister said. He added that the Lebanese state is engaging with Hezbollah to persuade the group to hand over its weapons, but so far, it has refused.

The minister also criticized Hezbollah's military capabilities, arguing that its support for Gaza and defense of Lebanon has failed to prevent Israeli incursions. He said Lebanon aims to return to a ceasefire agreement with Israel, but a peace treaty remains distant.

He clarified that ongoing mechanism committee meetings with Israel do not constitute conventional negotiations. He emphasized that Lebanon is intensifying diplomatic contacts to shield itself and key infrastructure from potential Israeli strikes.

"We have received warnings from Arab and international parties that Israel may be preparing for a large-scale military operation against Lebanon," he added.