Lebanon FM: Iran’s policies are ‘source of instability’ in the Middle East

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji tells Al Jazeera that Iran’s role in Lebanon and the Middle East is “very negative,” and calls Tehran’s policies “a source of instability” in the region.

Rajji says Lebanon’s pro-Western government is open to dialogue with Iran if it stops funding “an illegal organization” in Lebanon, a euphemism for Hezbollah, and stops interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

Arab countries told Lebanon that Israel was planning a major military operation in Lebanon, Rajji says, adding that Beirut is using diplomatic channels to keep Lebanese state facilities from being attacked.

He says that Hezbollah’s weapons have failed to support Gaza or protect Lebanon, but the Shiite group refuses to give them up.

Turning to direct talks with Israel, Rajji stresses that Lebanon is not engaged in “traditional negotiations” but is trying to return to an armistice with Israel.