Iran rebuffs claims it is supplying arms to Lebanon

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Iran’s permanent mission to the UN on Friday denied recent allegations that Tehran is supplying weapons to Lebanon.

Emphasizing Iran's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Lebanon, the mission said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran remains actively involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Lebanon via multiple channels and has formally expressed its preparedness to extend medical aid and to receive the wounded – a proposition duly accepted by the Government of Lebanon."

The mission highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Lebanon, adding: "Lebanon is not in need of military support."

"The foremost and urgent priority must center upon the establishment of a ceasefire and the facilitation of relief efforts," it said, adding that the focus should be on alleviating the humanitarian crisis rather than escalating military involvement.

Regional tensions have escalated due to Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed over 42,100 people, most of them women and children, following a Hamas attack last year.

The conflict spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country, which have killed more than 1,323 people and injured over 3,700 others since Sept. 23.

Despite international warnings that the Middle East region was on the brink of a regional war amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv expanded the conflict on Oct. 1 by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon.