Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun told an Iranian delegation that the country is tired of being a battleground for foreign conflicts. He called for non-interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, especially following Hezbollah’s recent losses. Aoun also expressed a desire for positive relations with Iran despite ongoing tensions involving U.S. influence and Israeli actions against Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun expressed to a visiting Iranian delegation that the nation is weary of being a battleground for external conflicts. His remarks came during the delegation’s visit to Beirut for the funeral of Hasan Nasrallah, the deceased leader of Hezbollah, which recently fought Israel but entered a truce in November. Aoun emphasized that Lebanon desires non-interference from foreign nations in its domestic affairs.
Aoun highlighted that Hezbollah has weakened due to significant losses in the war with Israel and setbacks following the decline of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which had facilitated Iranian support. This shift contributed to Aoun’s election as president, as he is seen as a Western ally amidst a longstanding political vacuum.
During the meeting, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf invited Aoun to visit Iran, signaling potential diplomatic engagement. Ghalibaf was accompanied by prominent Iranian officials, despite the presence of a suspended flight ban between Lebanon and Iran, imposed after U.S. warnings about potential threats to the Lebanese airport.
In a strong address, Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem rejected U.S. influence, reiterating the group’s commitment to oppose American control in Lebanon. The U.S. had previously mediated a ceasefire that ended a prolonged conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which began due to Hezbollah’s support for Hamas amidst escalating tensions in Gaza.
President Aoun’s statements reflect Lebanon’s desire for autonomy from international conflicts, specifically regarding Iranian influences through Hezbollah. The meeting with Iranian officials may lead to a more balanced diplomatic relationship while addressing Lebanon’s internal security concerns. Hezbollah’s stance against U.S. oversight underscores ongoing regional tensions and the complexities surrounding Lebanon’s political stability.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
