Lebanese cleric urges government to review stance, improve Iran ties

Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice president of Lebanon's Supreme Islamic Shia Council, has called on the Lebanese government to review its positions and improve its relations with Iran in light of recent developments. He made the remarks while thanking Iran for its "steadfast position against the Zionist regime's war of aggression against Lebanon," as reported by Press TV.

Al-Khatib stated that Tehran had long insisted that any agreement with the United States must result in the cessation of Israeli strikes on Lebanon. He emphasized that Iran has adhered to its promises and obligations towards Lebanon, and now the US government is expected to fulfill its obligations and compel the Tel Aviv regime to stop its attacks and "vile actions" against Lebanon.

Sheikh Khatib hailed the Iran-US deal as an achievement for the Iranian nation and expressed gratitude to all countries that played a role in its conclusion. He expressed hope that the memorandum of understanding could help strengthen stability in the West Asia region and across the globe.

He also expressed hope that the deal between Tehran and Washington will lead to the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Lebanon, the return of local population to their residences, the start of the reconstruction process, and the release of Lebanese prisoners being held in Israeli detention centers.

On Monday evening, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington would bring an end to warfare on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The SNSC secretariat declared that, guided by the late Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the instructions of the current Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the steadfast support of the Iranian people, and the relentless efforts of the nation's armed forces, the Islamic Republic has concluded a phase of challenging and intensive talks.

"The text of the memorandum concerning the end-of-war discussions (Islamabad talks) between Iran and the United States was finalized on the evening of June 15, with the consent of the Supreme National Security Council," the statement indicated. "It was agreed that all military actions and warfare on various fronts, including Lebanon, cease immediately and permanently. Moreover, the naval blockade against Iran will also be ended completely and without delay."

Additionally, the SNSC secretariat mentioned that the MoU is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday, June 19. According to Mehr News, the report by Press TV added these details.