The Israeli strikes hit a densely packed residential neighbourhood of apartment buildings and small shops in the heart of Beirut.

Iranian officials said Araqchi’s agenda included bilateral issues and efforts to secure ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated since Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel last week.

The Israeli military said the airstrike was a precision attack, but the blast shook the Bachoura neighborhood

"We are on high alert both defensively and offensively," Hagari said.

A spokesman for Israel's military said there were no reports of injuries so far

The raids come days after intense Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including the reported assassination of Hezbollah leader.

This marks the third consecutive year that the Biden administration has set this target.

"We will face any possibility, and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land," Qassem said.