TEHRAN – The Foreign Ministry has rejected claims by a local newspaper criticizing Tehran’s role in Lebanon, saying the Islamic Republic has always supported lasting stability and security in Lebanon.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported enduring solidarity, stability and security in Lebanon and spared no effort to maintain and boost unity among the country's ethnicities and political groups,” ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Sunday, according to Press TV.

He further said the newspaper’s allegations run counter to Iran’s stance and its approach of pursuing understanding in Lebanon over the past four decades.

MH/PA