Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 23
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iran waits for Lebanon's response to Tehran's army offer.
Marzieh Afkham the Spokeswomen of Iran's Foreign Ministry told Lebanese Al-Ahed news portal that Iran is ready to reinforce Lebanon army which stands against terrorism and waits for this country's response to send army aids to Lebanon, IRNA reported on Oct.23.
On Sept. 30, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said in Beirut that he discussed military cooperation with the Lebanese officials.
Shamkhani said that Iran will gift the Lebanese army military equipment and weapons.The issue of supplying the Lebanese army with military equipment, as requested by the Lebanese side, will also be discussed.
He went on to add that seeking ways for cooperation in confrontation with common threats against Iran and Lebanon is also among the main objectives of the visit.
After Skahkhani's visit to Beirut, Lebanese Minister of Defense Samir Mokbel arrived in Iran on Oct. 18. Mokbel, who serves also as Lebanon's deputy prime minister discussed boosting of bilateral military ties, as well as the latest regional and international developments with Iranian officials, IRNA reported.
It should be noted that the Islamic State (IS) group has declared war against the Lebanese army, which they claim has assisted the Shiite Iranian-backed Hezbollah group that has de facto control over the government of Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia last year announced it would give the Lebanese army $3 billion to purchase weapons and equipment from France, but that deal has yet to be fully implemented.
In August, the kingdom offered another $1 billion in funds to allow the army to purchase supplies immediately.
Washington has also sought to bolster Lebanon's military, and this month announced it had delivered a new shipment of Hellfire missiles and would also supply light aircraft.
Responding to a question about Saudi Arabia and the United States' military aids to Lebanon, Afkham said that "Some countries proposed their offers in past, but they haven't been realized".