Al-Monitor - 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.

Read more here