The Supreme Leader’s top aide, Ali Akbar Velayati, has conferred with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon’s capital Beirut.

No details were given by Iranian media beyond the statement that the two men “exchanged views on the latest developments in the region, including the Lebanese resistance victories against Takfiri and extremist groups”.

Hezbollah is currently pursuing an offensive in the Qalamoun region in western Syria, near the Lebanese border, against rebels. Iranian and Hezbollah commanders and forces have been involved in the Syrian regime’s operations, including a failed offensive north of Aleppo in February and attacks south of Damascus that made limited gains.

Velayati declared, according to Iranian State media, “The Takfiri groups and extremists, backed by certain regional countries and governments, are trying to portray a violent image of Islam and even planning to disintegrate certain Islamic countries.”

The former Foreign Minister said enemies would fail to have their “malicious” wishes realized in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

Velayati also met Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, praising “key strategic and instrumental relations” while hoping that Lebanon will fill its nine-month Presidential vacancy.



Activist Daemi Given 7-Year Prison Sentence for Facebook Posts and Peaceful Protest
Activist Atena Daemi has been given a 7-year prison sentence for Facebook posts and participation in peaceful gatherings.

Daemi has been held since October on charges of assembly and collusion against national security, propaganda against the state, insulting the Supreme Leader and the sacred, and “concealing crime evidence.

Daemi’s “crimes” also including jokes and songs by the artist Shahin Najafi, who is exiled in Germany, on her cell phone.

 

By EA WorldView