On the fortieth anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke about his meetings with him.
“Araqchi” talked about one of his meetings with “Nasrallah” in a residential complex in the southern suburb of Beirut, and said, “His first meeting with “Nasrallah” was in 1985, when he was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
He added that “Nasrallah” made a trip to Tehran, and said: “The master was a nice and talkative person. It was a very enjoyable meeting.”
Regarding the second meeting with “Nasrallah,” Araqchi said: “I met him in the middle of the nuclear negotiations when I was assigned a mission to go to Beirut. I met with him from 10 pm until 4 am and we discussed the details of the negotiations. The place where I met him was on the fifth floor of a residential complex.” .
Araqchi said, “While we were in the elevator of the complex, a security force from Hezbollah placed a sign in front of the door to block the view, so that if the elevator remained on the ground, residents would not notice its presence in the building.”
Araqchi revealed, “A few days before Nasrallah’s assassination, he was planning to travel to Beirut, but Nasrallah sent him a message asking him not to rush the visit due to security problems.” He said: “It is unfortunate for me, why I was not able to go. Now I feel… “With regret, I say that I wish that trip had taken place.”
“Araqji” spoke about the character of “Nasrallah,” saying: “He is a person with whom you cannot feel any stranger. You can talk to him very easily and he has a good soul. He was truly a legend, and some legends become more blessed after their passing.”
It is noteworthy that on September 27, Israel assassinated Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on the southern suburb of Beirut.
Last updated: November 5, 2024 - 19:25
Suggest a correction
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Middle Eastern Politics, Dr. Sarah El-Amin
Editor: Welcome, Dr. El-Amin, and thank you for joining us today. As you know, we recently marked the fortieth anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. This event has reignited interest in his relationship with Iran, especially after the comments made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi about his meetings with Nasrallah. Could you provide some context about Nasrallah’s significance in the region?
Dr. El-Amin: Thank you for having me. Hassan Nasrallah is a crucial figure in Middle Eastern politics, especially in the context of Iran-Hezbollah relations. He transformed Hezbollah from a guerrilla movement into a significant political and military force in Lebanon. His leadership has played a vital role in shaping the Shiite identity in the region and establishing Hezbollah as a key player in the resistance against Israel and Western influence.
Editor: In his recent statements, Araqchi mentioned his first meeting with Nasrallah in 1985 and characterized him as a “nice and talkative person.” How do you think this personal account contributes to our understanding of their relationship?
Dr. El-Amin: Araqchi’s personal recollections humanize a political figure often framed in terms of conflict. It illustrates that at the core of geopolitics, there are individuals with personal histories and relationships that shape their actions. By describing Nasrallah in a personable light, Araqchi is also reinforcing the diplomatic ties and mutual respect that have characterized Iran-Hezbollah relations over the years. It emphasizes the roles of charisma and personal diplomacy in international relations, which can sometimes be overlooked in favor of military or ideological analysis.
Editor: He also described a subsequent meeting during the nuclear negotiations, where they discussed sensitive details from 10 PM until 4 AM. What does this suggest about the importance of these discussions?
Dr. El-Amin: This long meeting highlights the gravity of the issues at hand and indicates how intertwined domestic and international politics can be. The timing is also significant; conducting high-stakes negotiations late at night suggests a level of urgency and secrecy. Moreover, it underscores Hezbollah’s pivotal role in Iran’s broader strategic calculus, particularly in times when Iran was facing international scrutiny over its nuclear program.
Editor: Araqchi mentioned Hezbollah’s security measures by blocking the elevator with a sign to ensure secrecy during their meeting. What does this tell us about the threats they perceive?
Dr. El-Amin: It certainly speaks to the precarious nature of political life in Lebanon and the potential for external surveillance or interference. The need for such precautions reflects a larger context of security concerns, both from Israel and other regional rivals. It shows a level of operational security that Hezbollah prioritizes, which also reflects their experience having been involved in numerous conflicts. This vigilance isn’t just about the moment but echoes the group’s historical context where they have often been targets of assassination and military action.
Editor: What do you think the future holds for Hezbollah and its relationship with Iran, especially considering the changing dynamics in the region?
Dr. El-Amin: The future of Hezbollah will likely remain tied to Iran, but there are several factors at play. The group appears to be solidifying its position domestically while also adapting to regional shifts. Iran continues to view Hezbollah as a valuable asset, especially as they both face pressures from the West. However, the evolving dynamics in the Gulf, Israeli military advancements, and potential normalization between Israel and other Arab states could pose challenges. Ultimately, Hezbollah’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its influence will depend on its strategic relationships, internal cohesion, and adaptability to evolving circumstances.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Amin, for your insights. It’s clear that the legacy of Hassan Nasrallah continues to shape not just Hezbollah but the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. We appreciate your expertise on this complex topic.
Dr. El-Amin: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to analyze these relationships to better understand future developments in the region.