Click to see full-size image. (Lebanese Armed Forces)
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun lashed out against Iran during an interview with CNN that was aired on June 5, accusing the Islamic Republic of exploiting his country as a bargaining chip in its conflict with the United States and Israel and demanding that Tehran stops interfering in Lebanese affairs.
Aoun told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that the Lebanese people are “fed up” of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which is allied to Iran.
Addressing Iran, he said, “You are not trying to help us … the people of Lebanon are paying the price … for the sake of your own interest,” adding, “our interests … do not coincide with your interests.”
Aoun also turned his fire on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, saying in a direct message, “It’s not your country, it’s our country.”
He rejected a statement issued by the guards earlier in the week, demanding Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon as part of a U.S.-Iranian ceasefire agreement.
“They are using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiation with U.S.,” he said. “It’s unacceptable.”
Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement in June 3 to implement a ceasefire, but it remains contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the full withdrawal of the group from southern Lebanon.
“It was a tough negotiation until we had a major breakthrough,” Aoun said, adding that the agreement could be a path forward to a “just and lasting peace.”
Hezbollah, which wasn’t part of the agreement, rejected the deal, saying it does not guarantee an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
A U.S. official told the Associated Press on June 5 that the deal is the first step in a process that must end with the demilitarization of Hezbollah, full security control south of the Litani River by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the restoration of complete sovereignty to the Lebanese government.
Notably, the official also claimed that Iran had wanted to prolong the conflict and “claim credit for saving the day” by trying to undermine the talks, but that the latest deal had “exposed that cynical strategy.”
Responding on June 6, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Aoun’s accusation that Tehran was interfering in Beirut’s affairs.
“Based on Mr. Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis,” Araghchi posts on X. “Had Lebanon been bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago.”
“Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” Araghchi wrote.
Despite the recent deal, and Aoun’s attack on Iran, a strike carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon killed a senior commander, another officer and a soldier of the LAF. The strike took place right after Araghchi’s post.
The strike hit a military vehicle on a road between the towns of Kfar Tebnit and Khardali in the Nabatieh area, “resulting in the deaths of two officers, holding the ranks of brigadier general and captain, and one soldier,” according to a statement by the LAF.
The IDF took responsibility soon after, saying in a statement that the vehicle was “moving suspiciously” toward Israeli forces near Kfar Tebnit.
It noted that Israeli troops are “operating against the Hezbollah terror organization and not against the Lebanese army.” However, no apology was issued.
Click to see full-size image. (Lebanese Armed Forces)
Click to see full-size image. (Lebanese Armed Forces)
Iran’s insistence on including Lebanon in its ceasefire talks played a key role in curbing IDF operations against Hezbollah. A direct threat by the Islamic Republic was even behind U.S. pressure on Israel that prevented a renewal of strikes on Beirut last week.
Still, Aoun and many other sides within the Lebanese government appear to be trying to take advantage of the current pressure on Hezbollah to normalize with Israel. This push of course ignores the fact that most Lebanese oppose a full-on peace agreement, even including sides that are opposed to the group.
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is that guy president joseph aoun an idiot, a zionist or both?
israel invades lebanon and seizes their land for their greater israel plan, iran helps to defend from that zionist infiltration, and the d*ckhead president says it’s iran’s fault?
he must be zionist, because only a zionist can be so twisted and sick thinking. another “made for tv” propaganda.
aoun is a bog standard ten-a-penny quisling whore serving joo interests. he is quite happy to hand over half his country to the jooz as they murder thousands of lebanese. beneath contempt.