(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Iran is waiting for response from Lebanon to dispatch military aid for the Lebanese army in its fight against Takfiri terrorists, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said on Thursday.
Lebanese army is on the frontline of war on terrorism, Afkham said, speaking to al-Ahd network affiliated to Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
She added, “When provided with sufficient equipment, the Lebanese army will be able to effectively fight the terrorists.”
The promise of aid comes after Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia pledged billions of dollars to Lebanon’s armed forces, and will be seen by many Lebanese as part of a competition for influence over the country.
“We have witnessed in the past that certain countries voiced readiness to help the Lebanese army but they failed to keep their promises,” Afkham said.
Lebanon’s Defense Minister Samir Moqbel visited Iran for three days on October 18 to discuss Iran’s military donation to Lebanon as well as ways to promote Tehran-Beirut defense relations.
Moqbel held talks with senior Iranian officials including his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan.
Immediately after his return to Beirut on October 22, Moqbel held separate meetings with five senior Lebanese political and military officials briefing them on his talks with the Iranian officials, according to Trend News Agency.
Saudi Arabia has promised $3 billion to the Lebanese army via France. Many Lebanese fear involvement by the two countries could further exacerbate sectarian tensions.