According to Arab and international media, Araghchi landed in Lebanon at a moment when Iran itself is experiencing street battles in Tehran and other cities, arson attacks on Basij bases, and a near-total internet shutdown imposed by the Revolutionary Guards to suppress protests.

Opposition-linked Iranian social media accounts claimed that Araghchi was accompanied by family members. While unconfirmed officially, these reports were widely interpreted as an attempt to extract relatives from Iran or prepare a potential safe haven abroad, further inflaming public anger. Tehran, for its part, insists the visit is purely official, led by an “economic delegation” aimed at strengthening ties with Lebanon and discussing reconstruction following the ceasefire with Israel.

The visit also comes amid rare diplomatic friction with Lebanon. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji recently declined an invitation to Tehran, proposing instead a meeting in a neutral country—seen as a diplomatic snub. Lebanese officials increasingly accuse Iran of heavy-handed interference, particularly regarding efforts to disarm Hezbollah under ceasefire arrangements.