Damascus, October 5 (RHC)-- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says there are initiatives for a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip and Lebanon, expressing hope that they come to fruition amid the Israeli regime’s continuation of crimes and massacres.

Araghchi was speaking with reporters upon his arrival in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday, on the second leg of his regional tour that took him to Lebanon a day earlier.  “The aim of the trip to Damascus is to continue discussions over developments in the region. In Beirut, I had very important negotiations with Lebanese government officials,” he said.

The top Iranian diplomat added that he would continue talks with the Syrian government officials on the developments in West Asia, with a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza being the “most important” topic.  “There are initiatives in this regard. Negotiations have been held, which we hope would bear fruit. But unfortunately, the hostilities and crimes of the Zionist regime continue,” Araghchi told reporters.

“As we believed from day one, the Zionist regime knows no other language than the language of force, war and crime, and it continues its crimes daily in Beirut, South Lebanon and Gaza, which calls for a collective effort by the international community to stop these crimes.”

Stressing that Tehran continues with its efforts to reach a better understanding with Damascus “for the next steps,” the Iranian foreign minister said, “Our bilateral discussions are very extensive in various economic, political, cultural fields and we have good relations with the Syrian government… and try to remove the existing obstacles and improve the relations.”

Araghchi made an unannounced visit to the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Friday, along with a package of 10 tons of foodstuff and medicine as part of Iran’s humanitarian assistance to the Arab country.  He held talks with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for the Lebanese government, nation and resistance front in the face of the atrocities of the Israeli regime.

During the meeting, Araghchi extended the sincere condolences of the Iranian government and nation on the martyrdom of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other innocent Lebanese nationals as a result of the terrorist and brutal Israeli attacks and restated Tehran’s unflinching support for Lebanon in the struggle against the Tel Aviv regime.