Iran's Ghalibaf Visits Beirut After Israeli Strike

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, visited Beirut on Saturday to express solidarity with Lebanon following a deadly Israeli airstrike that killed at least 22 people in the Basta area. During his visit, Ghalibaf condemned Israel's actions, urging international organizations to intervene, while emphasizing Iran's ongoing support for the Lebanese and Palestinian people. He met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who prioritized calls for a ceasefire, and conveyed a message from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Ghalibaf's trip included visits to bombed areas and was part of a stopover before attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly in Geneva, where he plans to advocate for the oppressed in Gaza and Lebanon. As tensions escalate, Hezbollah has launched missiles into Israel, and Israeli forces remain engaged in combat in both Gaza and southern Lebanon, amid increasing criticism for civilian casualties. Ghalibaf's visit highlights Iran's strategic alliance with Hezbollah and its commitment to regional resistance against Israeli actions.