Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, shakes hands with Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman, during welcoming ceremony in Tehran, 24 Nov 2008

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman is in Iran for talks expected to cover Iran's influence with Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants.

During his two-day visit, Mr. Suleiman will hold discussions with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmedinejad on such other topics as the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and political and economic issues.

Hezbollah's integration into Lebanese politics has been hindered by its refusal to disarm.  Iran and Syria both support the group -- considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and others -- but deny charges they continue to supply them with weaponry.

Israel Monday, said Hezbollah has continued to gain military strength. Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the Shi'ite group is three times stronger that it was during the 2006 war Israeli-Hezbollah war.  

Barak told parliament Hezbollah now has 42,000 missiles, some of which could reach the Israeli towns of Ashkelon, Beersheba and Dimona.

Mr. Suleiman's visit appears aimed at raising Lebanon's profile in the region after several years of strife, including the war between Hezbollah and Israel, and fighting between rival Sunni and Shi'ite factions.

Several Cabinet members are accompanying Mr. Suleiman, including the ministers of foreign affairs, labor, and the interior.