Iranian Embassy in Beirut Distances Itself After Commentator Declares South Lebanon Finished

A major political storm has erupted in Lebanon following controversial remarks by pro-Iranian commentator Mahdi Dalloul, who declared during a live broadcast on the Lebanese channel Al-Jadeed that "the South is destroyed, the South is finished." His bleak assessment of the situation in southern Lebanon drew fierce criticism, eventually forcing the Iranian Embassy in Beirut to issue a rare public statement on Sunday to distance itself from his comments.

During the heated television interview, the host challenged Dalloul, pointing out past promises that southern Lebanon would never be abandoned. "But in the past, you promised that the South would not become a thing of the past," the host said. "Today, when I ask you why you are not supporting the South, you tell me: because the South has already given its share? Meaning, you have accepted the situation in the South?"

Dalloul reacted angrily, pointing to logistical and financial blockades:

"You prevent me from bringing in weapons, you prevent me from bringing in money. Even for ten thousand dollars, you search people at the airport. How am I supposed to bring in money? How am I supposed to support? Tell me how."

He further admitted that supporters of the axis were misleading the public. "We are selling people illusions when we tell them today... the South is finished. I help as much as I can. Look, if Lebanon were like Iraq, with a shared border with Iran, the situation would be different."

Dalloul also downplayed recent events, criticizing the Lebanese military and dismissing the recent release of Lebanese prisoners as insignificant. "The Lebanese army does not possess military equipment. This is not an achievement," Dalloul continued. "Five prisoners? That was an Israeli bait. It is not an achievement."

Iran Distances Itself

As public anger mounted in Lebanon, the Iranian Embassy in Beirut was forced to issue an unusual clarification to disavow Dalloul's statements and prevent them from being interpreted as Tehran's official stance.

In its official statement, the embassy wrote:

"Following the publication of statements and positions in several Lebanese media outlets regarding developments in southern Lebanon, and their attribution to Iran's official positions, the Iranian Embassy in Beirut emphasizes that the words spoken by these individuals are nothing but an expression of their personal opinions and views. The positions of Iran and its embassy are not expressed except through official sources and authorized representatives."

The Prisoner Release Context

Dalloul's reference to "Israeli bait" concerns the release of five Lebanese prisoners of war late last week. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office clarified that this release was executed as part of ongoing negotiations with Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed officials to advance efforts to locate and return the bodies of the leaders of the Lebanese Jewish community as part of these understandings.