Iranian Foreign Minister Regrets Lebanese President's Statements

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticised the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, following statements regarding Tehran’s role in Lebanon. In a post on the social media platform X on Saturday, Araghchi stated that Aoun’s comments created the impression that Iran, rather than other parties, is responsible for the various challenges currently facing Lebanon.

“Based on Mr Aoun’s comments, people would assume that Iran is the one occupying one-fifth of Lebanese territory, displacing one-quarter of the Lebanese people, and bombarding its country every day,” he wrote. The Iranian Foreign Minister also rejected the notion that Lebanon is being used by Tehran as a bargaining chip in negotiations, adding, “If Lebanon were indeed a bargaining chip for Iran, we would certainly have reached an agreement long ago.”

Araghchi concluded his message by urging the Lebanese President to focus his attention on what he described as Beirut’s “true enemy”. These remarks were made in response to Aoun’s interview with CNN, where the Lebanese President discussed Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

This exchange of statements highlights the widening divergence in views between Beirut and Tehran regarding regional developments and Lebanon’s position amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have informed Israel and the US that they will not seek further negotiations until a ceasefire is established. For the first time since 1993, Lebanon and Israel met in Washington to discuss a ceasefire and the reduction of Hezbollah’s influence. President Aoun also called for international logistical support for the Lebanese army, reaffirming the government’s commitment to prioritising peace while restructuring domestic security.