Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged Iran to stop interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. He also called on Hezbollah to choose dialogue over conflict in its ongoing confrontation with Israel.
In an interview with CNN published on Friday, Aoun accused Tehran of using Lebanon as leverage in its negotiations with the United States. “It’s not your country, it’s our country. It’s not your job to interfere in our country,” Aoun said.
Aoun Urges Hezbollah to Choose Diplomacy
Aoun said Lebanon cannot solve the crisis through military action. He urged Hezbollah to sit down for talks and pursue a political solution. According to the Lebanese president, negotiations offer the only way to protect the country and end the conflict.
“Hezbollah must understand that there is no other way but to sit and talk, no other way to solve this problem and save what remains except through negotiation and diplomacy,” he said.
Iran Reaffirms Support for Hezbollah
Aoun's remarks came as Iran again expressed support for Hezbollah. Tehran also repeated its demand that Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon. The issue remains a major obstacle to broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.
Iran has reportedly linked a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to any future agreement with Washington. Tehran wants a wider regional settlement and the reopening of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Conflict Fuels Fighting
The latest round of fighting began in March. It started two days after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Hezbollah said it joined the conflict in support of Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the conflict in Lebanon remains tied to the broader regional war.
“This war will end only when it ends in Lebanon as well,” Araqchi said during an interview with Lebanese television channel Al Mayadeen.
He also insisted that Israeli forces must leave southern Lebanon. “The end of the war on Lebanon must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied,” he said.
Hezbollah Rejects US-Mediated Deal
The latest developments followed comments by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Qassem rejected a US-brokered agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government aimed at stopping the fighting.
Hezbollah opposed the deal because it did not require Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon. The group also said it had not participated in the negotiations.
Fighting Continues Across Southern Lebanon
Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues in southern Lebanon. Israel has maintained its military operations and has signalled that it will not withdraw its forces or stop its campaign at this stage.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it carried out two attacks against Israeli troops on Friday. One attack targeted forces near Beaufort Castle, a strategic site recently captured by Israel.
Lebanese security officials also reported Israeli airstrikes in several towns across southern Lebanon. The continued attacks highlight the challenges facing diplomatic efforts as regional tensions remain high.