TEHRAN (AFP) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Lebanon after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a top official said Sunday, as Tehran pledged its support to Beirut and Damascus in face of any "aggression" from Israel.

Mottaki also pledged Iran's support to Lebanon and Syria against any threats from Israel. "The government of the Islamic republic and the Iranian nation are standing with the Lebanese and Syrian governments and nations against the aggression and threats of the Zionist regime," Mottaki said.

He said Iran was holding continuous consultations with Beirut and Damascus and Tehran is "ready to answer positively any request from its brothers."

Shami, who acknowledged Iran's support over the Arab-Israel issue, added that "Israeli aggression is due to its hostile nature."

The May 31 Israeli raid on the aid flotilla left nine pro-Palestinian activists dead and sparked an international outcry against the Jewish nation.