Upon arriving in Beirut on Thursday, Amirabdollahian told IRIB that the Islamic Republic of Iran will strongly support its allies in the region and continue to support the independence, security and sovereignty of Lebanon.

Highlighting a social media campaign launched ahead of his visit to thank Iran for helping Lebanon to break the economic siege of the United States, Amirabdollahian said Tehran still had “better new deals” if Lebanese officials requested it, Press TV reported.

He said the Islamic Republic was also ready to “continue on the previous path”, referring to recent energy sales to Lebanon, as long as Beirut maintained demand, and would also lend a helping hand to the Arab nation in d ‘other areas.

“This trip is indicative of the deep and friendly ties between the two countries, and we support the Lebanese army, people and resistance with a strong voice,” he added.

The United States reimposed its sanctions on Iran in 2018 after illegally leaving a landmark nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and countries around the world.

He has been applying similar measures against Lebanon for over a year to put pressure on the country because of the influence exerted in its political and military sectors by Hezbollah. In the 2000s, the movement fought two major wars against Lebanon that were waged by the Israeli regime, Washington’s most valuable ally in the region.

The sanctions have taken a heavy toll on the Lebanese economy, causing a severe shortage of basic goods, especially gasoline and diesel.

As the energy crisis escalated, Hezbollah stepped in and began importing fuel from Iran to prevent Washington from further interfering with the livelihoods of the Lebanese people.

Lebanese media last month reported the entry into the US-sanctioned country of a fifth shipment carrying Iranian fuel.

Meanwhile, Lebanese television station al-Manar quoted Amirabdollahian as saying that Iran would spare no effort to help Lebanon if asked to do so.

He said Iran was confident that Lebanon would be able to overcome any difficulties it faces, just as the brotherly nation has successfully passed through all the difficult stages past.

The senior Iranian diplomat also congratulated the Lebanese people on forming a new government in the Arab country after 13 months of political stalemate.

At the head of a delegation, Amirabdollahian arrived Thursday in Beirut for a first visit to the country since his appointment, after concluding a trip to Russia. He is expected to meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib.

He also plans to meet with representatives of Palestinian factions and groups at the Iranian embassy in Beirut.