Beirut: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accepted an invitation from his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raggi, to visit Beirut, marking an effort to open 'a new chapter' in the bilateral relations between Iran and Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, this development follows Raggi's decision to decline an invitation from Araghchi to visit Tehran, suggesting instead that their discussions take place in a neutral country. Araghchi expressed his surprise at Raggi's suggestion, noting on US social media company X that such a neutral venue should not be necessary for countries with strong diplomatic ties.

Araghchi acknowledged the complexities of the situation, pointing to the Israeli occupation and ceasefire violations as factors influencing Raggi's decision. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have taken steps that have been met with criticism from Iran, particularly concerning the Lebanese government's plan to disarm Hezbollah. This decision, based on a proposal from US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, seeks to place all weapons under state control by the end of 2025.

Hezbollah has expressed strong opposition to this plan, maintaining that Israeli forces need to withdraw completely from Lebanese territory before any disarmament can occur. Raggi has emphasized the importance of establishing relations between Lebanon and Iran based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.