Iran's Parliament Speaker Qalibaf visits Beirut strike site

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf reaffirmed Iran's commitment to supporting Lebanon during its challenging times, in a press conference held in Beirut.

"I'm particularly carrying a message from Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) for the Lebanese people with assurances that, in these difficult conditions, the Islamic Republic of Iran shall stand with Lebanon's nation," says Qalibaf

Qalibaf also highlighted Iran's readiness to assist those displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict, contingent upon coordination with the Lebanese government.

The press conference followed Qalibaf's visit to one of the sites of the Israeli strikes that hit central Beirut.

The strikes hit the Lebanese capital, killing 22 and wounding over 100.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf visited one of the sites of the Israeli airstrikes that hit central Beirut.

The Middle East remains on high alert for further escalation, awaiting Israel's response to an Iranian missile barrage on Oct. 1.

In the meanwhile Iran said that it was ready for war, but did not seek it, as the Middle East remained on high alert for Israel to retaliate against Iran's October 1 volley of long-range missiles.

"Its war, conflict, and operations against the people of Gaza and Lebanon must be stopped,” Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said during a news conference with his Iraqi counterpart in Iraq's capital Baghdad.

Araqchi's comments appeared intended to counter suggestions that Iran would absorb an Israeli strike without a response, as it did earlier this year when Israel last struck Iran after a volley of Iranian missiles.

US officials believe Israel has narrowed down targets in its potential retaliation for the Iranian missile barrage, and would aim to hit military and energy infrastructure. It said there was no indication Israel would hit nuclear facilities or assassinate officials in Iran.