Ambassador: Iranian aid to Lebanese Army has no strings attached

BEIRUT: Iran's offer of aid to Lebanon is unconditional and come without any strings attached, Tehran's ambassador said Monday, describing opposition to the donation as against Lebanon's national interests.

“The donation ... is dedicated to support the Army in its fight against terrorism,” Mohammad Fathali said in remarks published Monday in Al-Akhbar. “It’s unconditional and free of charge.”

"Any country that rejects the assistance provided by Iran does not serve the national interests of Lebanon in fighting terrorism,” he said. “The Army needs military support from everyone in order to confront the terrorists and attacks targeting it."

Fathali said the military aid was part of “phase one” of the cooperation between Iran and Lebanon and was ready for shipment.

“We’re ready to send [the assistance] immediately if a legal framework has been established.”

In response to a question, Fathali said Tehran “is concerned about Lebanon’s security, especially today because the country is enduring a severe terrorism crisis."

“Therefore, we consider it is our duty to stand by Lebanon, just like [Iran] stands by the countries that belong to the axis of resistance and opposition; and to [tell] them ‘You are not alone in the fight against terrorism,’” Fathali said, referring to the axis of Iran, Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.

“We express this friendship not only through passion, but also in practice through military aid," Fathali added. “And over the past years, we, in Iran, have achieved gains and made tangible achievements that we believe can help the brave Lebanese Army.”

On the possibility of U.S. opposition to the Iranian aid, Fathali said: “This attitude is part of the double standard policy concerning the fight against terrorism," pointing to Washington’s strategy to strike at terrorist organizations.

"We believe the international coalition does not have the intention to combat terrorism, which is a cancerous disease affecting regional countries,” he said. “We must stand united against terrorism.”