Rare Confrontation Between Lebanon and Iran Over UN Resolution 1701
A recent clash between the Lebanese government and Iran arose after Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, expressed willingness to negotiate the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 from 2006. This resolution ended the Second Lebanon War and restricted Hezbollah’s operations south of the Litani River.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Ghalibaf’s statement as an interference in Lebanon’s affairs and a violation of sovereignty. Mikati emphasized that the management of UN Resolution 1701 negotiation falls to Lebanon alone.
Despite Iran’s attempt to clarify Ghalibaf’s remarks, tensions remain high. Mikati’s caretaker government, weakened by Lebanon’s political turmoil, aims to resolve conflicts and potentially reach a ceasefire based on the UN’s resolution.
With hopes of strengthening the government for future settlements, Lebanon seeks support from its allies, including France, to pressure Israel for a ceasefire agreement endorsed by the government and Hezbollah.
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