Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday welcomed the election of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, ending a two-year leadership vacuum in Lebanon.
Pezeshkian hailed the development as a step towards stability and unity, asserting that it would serve as a bulwark against Israel’s ambitions.
“There is no doubt that reinforcement of stability and unity will defeat the greed of the Zionist enemy against Lebanese territory,” Pezeshkian said in a message to Aoun, published by the official IRNA news agency following his election on Thursday.
Pezeshkian expressed optimism that Aoun’s presidency would usher in a new era for Lebanon. “This election will bring political stability, economic growth and greater progress as well as peace and comfort to the dear people of Lebanon,” he stated.
The Iranian leader also extended an offer to deepen bilateral relations, saying that Iran was ready to strengthen cooperation with Lebanon “in all areas.”
Iran has been a key supporter of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, which has wielded significant political influence in the country but faced challenges, including a year-long conflict with Israel and the loss of its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, during the Syrian conflict.
Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun, in his first remarks after his election, pledged to assert the state’s authority over arms within the country. He declared that the state would have “a monopoly” on weapons in Lebanon, signalling a potential shift in the country’s approach to armed groups.
The election of Aoun is seen as a critical milestone for Lebanon, which has been grappling with political paralysis, economic crises, and social unrest. Both regional and international observers are keenly watching how the new administration will address the country’s multifaceted challenges.
