Berri Says Defusing Tension between Iran, Saudi Arabia to Impact Lebanon Positively

Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Thursday that any consensus between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia would reflect Lebanon positively, denying that he was asked to mediate between the two countries.

“The Iranian leadership is wise and knows what it wants and what benefits its people and the region,” Berri said in comments published in local newspapers.

The speaker described the visit as “successful.”

“I am certainly ready to do whatever serves my country and any contacts and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran will have a positive impact on Lebanon and facilitates resolving our local crises,” Berri said.

He stressed that he's “not mediating between Tehran and Riyadh,” noting that he only “facilitated the matter.”

“I will not hesitate to do all my best if I was asked to mediate between the two countries, taking into consideration Lebanon's interests,” Berri added.

Asked if he is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon, Berri said that he didn't receive any invitation.”

The speaker visited Tehran at an official invitation from his Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani. He is accompanied by MPs Abdul Latif al-Zein, Hagop Pakradounian, Ghazi Zoaiter, Ali Fayyad and Qassem Hashem.

During his two-day visit to Iran, Berri held talks with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani and head of Shura Council Larijani.

Tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran has affected the situation in the region with the ongoing conflict in Syria a main point of contention.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia cautiously welcomed a nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers, saying "good intentions" could lead to a comprehensive agreement on Tehran's controversial atomic program.

The landmark deal reached Sunday would curb parts of Iran's nuclear program in return for some relief from international sanctions.

Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia has been locked in a decades-long rivalry with Shiite-dominated Iran.

Gulf monarchies have never made a secret of their concerns about Iranian regional ambitions.

Tehran is a key backer of Syrian President Bashar Assad, of the Shiite Alawite sect, in his fight against a nearly three-year insurrection backed by Gulf states.