Iran worried by Lebanon 'vacuum' after Hariri resignation
The political uncertainty arising from the resignation of Lebanon's prime minister is sparking worries in Iran, which maintains key interests in the tiny but strategic Arab country.
Scenes of jubilation in the streets of Beirut, triggered by the Oct. 29 resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, were not welcome news to Iran's political elites, who have closely and anxiously followed the last two weeks of popular protests in the Lebanese capital.
Sparked by public discontent with corruption and stratification, the upheaval concerned Iran, which has been battling to oust Saudi Arabia from the Lebanese political scene.
"Iran hopes that the Lebanese nation and government will pass through this critical and delicate stage," said Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi following the Hariri resignation. Mousavi stressed the importance of "unity" among Lebanese rival groups.
But hard-line media outlets were less diplomatic. Papers with little tolerance for Saudi influence in the Middle East painted a gloomy picture of the future. Kayhan — affiliated with the office of Iran's supreme leader — lamented a "political vacuum" that serves the interests of "enemies."
