\n<\/p>\n
Iran\u2019s diplomatic moves, not calling for assistance or reaching out to its allies, seem to be intended to show that Tehran believes everything is going to turn out all right.<\/p>\n
Iran has faced almost two weeks of protests. Reports indicate that hundreds of protesters<\/a> may have been killed. However, Tehran has sought to cut off all news about the unrest by shutting down the internet and suppressing information. Iran\u2019s regime does not want to be viewed as being at a tipping point<\/a>. At the same time, Tehran continues to do outreach abroad and hold meetings as if everything is normal at home.<\/p>\n For instance, even as the protests were growing in strength, Iran\u2019s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi<\/a>, went to Lebanon and met with Lebanese officials. Beirut is nonplussed with Iran\u2019s meddling in Lebanon and by its support for Hezbollah. Lebanon\u2019s President Joseph Aoun also met with Araghchi and spoke about \u201cnon-interference.\u201d<\/p>\n He said, \u201cLebanon is ready to strengthen economic and trade relations and is keen to establish the best possible relations with Iran within a framework of mutual respect and non-interference in the affairs of both countries.\u201d In response, Araghchi emphasized that \u201cIran supports Lebanon\u2019s independence, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and the visit is part of efforts to enhance and develop bilateral relations.\u201d<\/p>\n Iran-Lebanon ties have been fraught with tension over the last year. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has been critical of Iran\u2019s role. This has ruffled feathers in Tehran. Iran previously felt it had a kind of stranglehold over Lebanon via Hezbollah<\/a>. However, these days it is Israel that has freedom of action in Lebanon. Iran also can\u2019t traffic weapons via Syria as it used to.<\/p>\n Araghchi also met with Oman\u2019s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi in Tehran and warned other countries against \u201ctampering [with] Iran\u2019s internal affairs.\u201d His warning appears to be related to statements made by the US but may also be directed at Israel. The Iranian diplomat \u201creaffirmed Iran\u2019s position that internal matters of sovereign nations should be decided solely by their own people and called for an end to external interference,\u201d Iranian state media reported on Saturday, according to reports.<\/p>\n