Araghchi says any attack on Beirut would restart war

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday evening that any attack on Beirut would have serious consequences and would lead to a full resumption of war. He made the comments in an interview with the Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen channel. Araghchi said Iran sees Lebanon as a brotherly and friendly country and does not seek to interfere in its internal affairs. He also said Hezbollah is an important part of Lebanon’s political structure. He said Lebanon is an inseparable part of the war between Iran and the United States and Israel, adding that the link between fronts has existed since the first day. Araghchi said ending the war across the “axis of resistance,” including Gaza and Lebanon, is a basic priority for Tehran. He also said the Iranian army was preparing to respond if Israeli forces attack Beirut’s southern suburbs.