Iranian, Lebanese Speakers call for 'preserving Beirut's sovereignty' under US-Iran peace deal
Tehran, June 16
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday underscored the need to uphold Lebanon's sovereignty and ensure the implementation of commitments arising from the memorandum of understanding as part of the peace deal between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia.
According to a statement issued by Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the remarks were made during a telephone conversation between the two parliamentary leaders, during which they reviewed the latest developments in the region.
The two leaders also highlighted the role of the international community in ensuring an end to the conflict and preventing further escalation in the region.
"The two sides, while reviewing recent developments in the region, emphasised the need to implement the commitments arising from the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington and the responsibility of international actors in stopping the war and preserving Lebanon's sovereignty," IRIB stated in its statement.
The conversation comes after US President Donald Trump, on Sunday, stated that a deal with Iran was "complete" and that the strategic waterway would again be open after the signing of the agreement on Friday.
He further stated that the "Great Deal" was aimed at bringing "Peace and Security" to the whole region.
"This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!" Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
On Tuesday, Trump vented at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Tel Aviv's continued strikes on Lebanon, particularly its recent strikes on Beirut, stating that the Israeli PM should be "more responsible" with respect to Lebanon.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Trump criticised Israel's military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying that too many people had been killed in the conflict.
"Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long. And too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses and they're not all Hezbollah. That I can tell you," Trump said.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that Lebanon must be included in the final agreement with the US, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserting it is an "integral part" of the border arrangement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm skeptical. Iran has been meddling in Lebanon for decades through Hezbollah. Now they're pretending to care about sovereignty? This is just PR spin. And Trump wants a deal because he needs a foreign policy win before 2024 elections. India should stay out of this mess and focus on our own neighborhood. 🇮🇳
Interesting to see Trump calling out Israel for once. Netanyahu has been getting a free pass for too long. But a US-Iran deal? Remember the JCPOA? Trump tore it up, and now he wants to make a "Great Deal"? Looks like political theatre to me. Lebanon just wants to survive at this point.
As someone following this from a distance, it's heartbreaking to see Beirut suffer again. Iran and the US using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their geopolitical games. The people of Lebanon deserve peace, not to be collateral damage for superpower interests. India should push for a UN-sponsored resolution.
Everyone's talking about sovereignty, but who is actually listening to the Lebanese people? Iran backs Hezbollah, US backs Israel, and Lebanon is stuck in the middle. This deal might reduce tension, but it won't solve the root problem: foreign interference in Lebanese politics. India knows a thing or two about that, no? 😅
Trump calling Israel out is surprising. He's usually their biggest cheerleader. But his "deal" rhetoric sounds like a used car salesman. The Strait of Hormuz opening is important for global oil markets, and India imports a lot from there. So maybe we should cautiously welcome any stability
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.