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Iranian FM and Hezbollah chief discuss regional issues in Beirut meeting
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif met with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Tuesday, underscoring Tehran’s continued support for the terror group in the wake of the recent nuclear deal.
The accord, which was agreed in Vienna last month between Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) will likely see international sanctions lifted in return for a slowdown in Iranian nuclear development over the next decade. Israel and other opponents of the deal, including Gulf states have expressed deep concern that ending sanctions will see Iran receive a financial windfall which it will then pass on to regional proxy terror groups such as Hezbollah, further destabilizing the Middle East.
Zarif’s meeting with Nasrallah will only have intensified such concerns. According to Iran’s official outlet Press TV, Zarif said that the “resistance movement” has “restored dignity to Lebanon and the region.” Meanwhile, Nasrallah apparently praised the nuclear accord and said that it would lead to “positive and valuable outcomes for Lebanon and the entire region.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency says that a prominent Revolutionary Guards official has mocked the prospect of the United States launching military action over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Asoudi told troops in the north of the country that in response to US President Obama’s suggestion that military action remains on the table, “we just relax and laugh at such ridiculous words.” In May, the Revolutionary Guard’s top commander, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said that, “The military option that the westerners speak of constantly is ridiculous.”
The nuclear accord must receive approval from US Congress, which has until 17 September to consider and vote on the deal. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday met a delegation of visiting Republican members of Congress. According to Israel Radio, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s opposition to the agreement but refrained from telling the delegates how they should vote on the deal.