During his visit to Lebanon last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced his readiness for comprehensive cooperation with Lebanon.
He said: “We are ready to build two power plants with a capacity of two thousand megawatts in eighteen months in Lebanon within the framework of exporting technical and engineering services and joint investment or any other method.”
Amir Abdullahian also stated that he is ready to continue sending fuel to Lebanon, adding: “We are ready to strengthen this route in an agreement with the Lebanese government.”
He reminded: The Islamic Republic of Iran in all areas of infrastructure, including the construction of subways or electric trains for the welfare of the Lebanese people, is ready and has the technical engineering capacity for this infrastructure project (more details).
Al-Akhbar newspaper reported that Lebanon responded to the Iranian Foreign Minister’s readiness to help Lebanon and invest in Lebanon, saying “the proposals are attractive but should be delayed because Lebanon does not tolerate US sanctions.”
The report goes on to say that the excuse for “US sanctions” was ready for the Lebanese host, led by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to reject Iran’s proposals.
Al-Akhbar wrote that although the Lebanese response was as disappointing as ever, the trip had important messages, including:
First; This trip, which took place in the framework of a periodic trip to Russia and Syria, shows Lebanon’s place in Tehran’s strategic thinking and its importance in Iran’s vital area at the political and security levels. Abdullahian’s visit to Beirut after his visit to Iraq on August 28 emphasizes the equal importance of both countries for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Second; Abdullahian’s visit to Lebanon sent a message to the outside world that the fight against Israel is still at the top of Tehran’s priorities; The meeting between Amir Abdullahian and Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah reinforced this message.
Third; The trip came after the first step in defeating the siege of Lebanon by sending fuel-carrying ships to Lebanon despite all foreign threats aimed at easing the crisis, to emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to take further steps to break the siege and support Hezbollah in the face of war. The economy is against the US-led Lebanon.
