Iranian official brings unexpected twist to Lebanon-Israel talks in Beirut

In a high-stakes diplomatic move Ali Larijani visited Beirut showing support for Lebanonʼs peace talks; his arrival comes as Israeli air-strikes hit more central areas of the city

The Iranian official met with Nabih Berri and other Lebanese leaders discussing the US-proposed ceasefire plan: “We are not looking to sabotage anything“ Larijani stated adding that only Netanyahu and his team were causing problems

Israeli forces stepped-up their attacks hitting five buildings in Beirutʼs south side (known as Dahiyeh) including one near the busy Tayouneh junction. The strikes which started about a year ago have forced over 1-million Lebanese to leave their homes

The conflict roots go back to around 42 yrs ago when Iranʼs Revolutionary Guards created Hezbollah. The group — armed by Tehran has been in frequent clashes with Israeli forces since late-23

• 3‚445 casualties in Lebanon since Oct-23
• About 100 Israeli soldiers and civilians killed
• Over 1-million Lebanese displaced
• Multiple buildings destroyed in Beirutʼs suburbs

The US-backed peace talks focus on UN Resolution 1701 from 06 which requires Hezbollah to move its fighters north of Litani river; however Israel wants freedom to act if rules are broken — something Lebanon doesnt accept

Najib Mikati Lebanonʼs caretaker PM stressed implementing the resolution as main priority alongside stopping what he called israeli aggression. The EU strongly criticized recent strikes that killed medical workers near Baalbek showing growing international worry about the situation