Until last month, the impression among Iran experts was that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is not directly involved in his country’s Middle East policy, with his full concentration on reaching a nuclear deal with six world powers.

With a deal in hand, Iran’s Middle East policy appears to be going through some changes. According to an Iranian official who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, much attention will now be given to diplomacy in the region. He said, “Every problem has a solution and the nuclear issue proved that. Therefore, it is important to come out with some creative ideas to end the bloodshed in the region.”

The official said Zarif “went to Lebanon and Syria to discuss how Iran could play a positive role in solving the crises in both countries, and also crises affecting them.” He added that Iran’s revised four-point plan for Syria was a “main point” in the talks.

Meanwhile, a source close to Lebanese parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has told Al-Monitor that Zarif expressed a willingness to help bridge gaps among the Lebanese about their presidential election. “Mr. Zarif made it clear from the beginning of the meeting that Iran respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and that no one should interfere in Lebanon’s internal issues, yet his country is ready to play a role if asked in helping the Lebanese elect a president.”