Lebanese PM rejects Iranian interference in a Lebanese matter

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Friday that he rejected Iranian interference in a Lebanese matter, after Iran's parliament speaker said his country was ready to negotiate with France on UN Resolution 1701.

The resolution, adopted in 2006, calls for the border area of southern Lebanon to be free of weapons or troops other than those of the Lebanese state.

On Friday, the Lebanese Prime Minister's office said it summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires. 

"During the recent visits of the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Speaker of the Iranian Shura Council to Lebanon, we made it clear that they need to understand Lebanon’s delicate situation, especially as Lebanon is facing an unprecedented Israeli aggression. We are working with all of Lebanon’s friends, including France, to pressure Israel to stop the attacks," Mikati stated. 

He added “The Lebanese government is responsible for handling negotiations regarding the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, and it is expected that everyone supports this approach, rather than seeking to impose new forms of guardianship, which are rejected on all national and sovereign grounds,” he added.

On Thursday, Iranain parliament speaker Mohammed Qalibaf expressed Iran's willingness to negotatie a ceasefire in Lebanon with France as a mediator between Hezbollah and Israel and implement UN resolution 1701.

Israel says the Lebanese army and UNIFIL have failed to secure the area. 

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, began launching projectiles into northern Israel on a near-daily basis after Israel launched its operation in Gaza last October. Israel intensified air raids and launched a ground operation on October 1 to reportedly allow the return of displaced people to the north. 

Israel's operations in Lebanon have killed a large number of Hezbollah's leaders, including its secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. Analysts said the group has been receiving direct orders and communication from Iran after his assassination, although this remains unconfirmed.