Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, at the second presidency headqauaters in Ain El Tineh.

Speaking after the meeting, Larijani said that "Lebanon is a friendly country to us, and we have many historical ties with it. Today, we enjoy the best relations with it."

The Iranian official added, "We believe that through cordial, comprehensive, and serious dialogue in Lebanon, this country can come up with sound decisions."

Larijani stressed that "Lebanon's unity and its success in realizing achievements, development, and prosperity are important, and Iran's policy is based on the independent states in the region being strong, and this approach is contrary to what some countries tend to do." He noted that he does not support "orders through which a timetable is set," and believed that "countries should not issue orders to Lebanon."

Larijani also said, "Our message is confined to one point: it is important for Iran that the countries of the region be independent in their decisions and do not need to receive orders from across the oceans."

The Iranian official also expressed his "respect for any decision taken by the Lebanese government regarding the factions on its territory."