In this handout photograph taken and released by the Pakistan Foreign Office on January 29, 2024, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani holds a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (center) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. (HANDOUT / PAKISTAN FOREIGN MINISTRY VIA AFP)

BEIRUT - Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Friday that Iran will continue its strong support for Lebanon and the military group Hezbollah.

"We consider that the security of Lebanon is essential for that of Iran and the region," Amir-Abdollahian, speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beirut, was quoted by Elnashra news agency as saying.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian praised Hezbollah and the resistance leaders in Palestine for "showing their deterrent and influential role with courage and wisdom"

He praised Hezbollah and the resistance leaders in Palestine for "showing their deterrent and influential role with courage and wisdom."

The Iranian foreign minister added that after months of attacks against Gaza, Israel has not achieved any of its declared goals.

ALSO READ: Israel army chief: Chance of war with Hezbollah much higher

He revealed that "Iran has asked the United States not to support Israel in its crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank," explaining that "the Israeli entity is working to drag the United States into a war in the region."

On Friday, confrontations between Hezbollah and Israeli forces intensified on Lebanon's southern border with Israeli airstrikes targeting the area of Hamoul-Naqoura, the villages of Aitaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Kafr Kila, Markaba and Yarine, and more, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah targeted the Doviv settlement and the Israeli sites of al-Baghdadi town and Ein Zeitim village.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct 8, 2023, after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

READ MORE: Israel intensifies operations against Hamas, Hezbollah

The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 253 people on the Lebanese side, including 181 Hezbollah members and 39 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources.