Lebanese MPs Submit Petition to PM Demanding War Compensation from Iran

Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam received a delegation of Lebanese parliamentarians at the Grand Serail today. The group, including Ghassan Hasbani, Ashraf Rifi, George Aqees, Fouad Makhzoumi, Michel Doueihy, Salim Al-Sayegh, Michel Mouawad, and Razi Al-Hajj, presented him with a petition demanding compensation from Iran for the damages resulting from the recent conflict.

Following the meeting, MP Ghassan Hasbani read a statement on behalf of the delegation. He said that the petition, signed by representatives of the political forces participating in the Maarab 3 conference "In Defense of Lebanon," was handed over to Prime Minister Salam. The delegation emphasized the necessity for the Lebanese government to assume its national and legal responsibilities to safeguard the rights of the Lebanese state and to claim due compensation for the severe damages Lebanon suffered during the recent war.

The delegation based the petition on facts and evidence indicating direct responsibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the consequences of the war imposed on Lebanon. This responsibility stems from the organizational, military, and financial ties between Iran and an armed group operating under the supervision and direction of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers. This involvement led to the opening of a military front from Lebanese territory without the approval of the Lebanese state or any decision issued by its constitutional institutions.

Hasbani added that the deaths of Revolutionary Guard officers and members during military operations on Lebanese soil, along with statements from Iranian officials regarding Hezbollah's role and its connection to Iran, provide further proof of the direct operational coordination in the conflict. The delegation stressed that the Lebanese state did not officially decide to enter the war, yet the Lebanese people endured substantial human, material, economic, social, and environmental losses. These included thousands of casualties and injuries, the displacement of over one million citizens, widespread destruction of infrastructure and private and public properties, and losses estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. Parts of Lebanese territory were also occupied during the conflict.

The delegation highlighted that international law principles and judicial precedents establish the responsibility of states for acts carried out by entities under their effective control or direction. They grant affected states the right to claim full compensation and reparations. The delegation affirmed that it is the duty of the Lebanese state to act promptly to document damages and prepare the necessary legal, financial, and diplomatic files, ensuring no political, legal, or financial opportunities are missed to recover Lebanese rights through official state institutions.

Hasbani indicated that the delegation requested the Lebanese government to convene a special Cabinet session and adopt the following measures:

1. Conduct a comprehensive national documentation process of all human, economic, financial, infrastructural, and environmental damages resulting from the war.

2. Prepare a unified national compensation file including a detailed and comprehensive assessment of losses according to internationally accepted standards.

3. Develop a complete legal, financial, and diplomatic dossier documenting facts, damages, and responsibilities to support Lebanon's compensation claims.

4. Establish a high-level national committee comprising relevant authorities and experts to oversee documentation efforts and the preparation and follow-up of the compensation claim file.

5. Initiate the necessary legal procedures to file and pursue a case before the International Court of Justice, engaging specialized international legal expertise to establish responsibilities and claim compensation.

6. Intensify diplomatic and legal communications with the United States and concerned countries and organizations regarding frozen Iranian assets and any existing or future compensation mechanisms or programs.

7. Submit an official memorandum demanding Lebanon’s inclusion among the affected parties entitled to any international compensations, settlements, or frozen Iranian funds allocated for this purpose.

8. Conduct consultations and coordination with affected Arab and friendly countries to unify legal and diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving rights and demanding compensation.

9. Affirm that the Lebanese state retains all its rights to take any judicial, arbitration, diplomatic, or international measures it deems appropriate to claim compensation, repair damages, and protect Lebanon’s national interests.

Hasbani concluded by reiterating that the delegation came to present this demand to the Cabinet so the government can take appropriate actions, conduct necessary investigations, and compile files to establish the link between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. He emphasized their responsibility for the war that caused Lebanon billions in losses and casualties. The delegation also intends to pursue a diplomatic track with international parties to unify efforts for any compensation claims related to the damages Lebanon suffered from a war in which the Lebanese state did not decide to participate but which was ignited by external actors closely connected to groups operating on Lebanese territory.