Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized Iran for leveraging Lebanon in talks with the United States, expressing weariness among Lebanese citizens towards war and the desire for peace. Aoun’s comments, made in an interview with CNN, emphasized the need for negotiations to resolve conflicts with Israel and address internal issues related to Hezbollah’s armed presence. He highlighted the toll of prolonged conflict on Lebanese people and rejected external interference using Lebanon for geopolitical gains.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently stated that a comprehensive ceasefire, including Lebanon, was a key condition for a truce with the US and Israel. Aoun firmly stated Lebanon’s sovereignty and the need for regional powers to respect the country’s interests and prioritize peace over conflicts that harm civilians. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of Hezbollah’s armed activities, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict with Israel.
In response to Hezbollah’s opposition to agreements and threats of government destabilization, Aoun affirmed the exhaustion felt by Lebanese citizens after enduring years of conflict. He differentiated between the interests of the Lebanese people and those of Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem, underlining the collective desire for peace and stability in the region.
Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon resulted in casualties, with at least 13 people killed and 15 wounded in various towns. The strikes targeted multiple locations, leading to civilian casualties and destruction. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for peaceful resolutions and the cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of life and damage in the region.
