Lebanese President Joseph Aoun tells CNN that Iran “uses Lebanon as a bargaining chip” in negotiations with the United States, while also criticizing Hezbollah’s actions and saying Lebanese people are “fed up” with the Israel–Hezbollah war. Aoun’s remarks come as Israel continues attacks on Lebanon amid efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and as talks involving Lebanon and Israel proceed alongside separate, contentious discussions linked to Hezbollah.
In response, Iran’s top diplomat rejects Aoun’s claim, disputing that Tehran treats Lebanon as leverage in its standoff with the U.S. and Israel. Reuters reporting cited Aoun’s comments as among his harshest toward Iran and Hezbollah, framing them as the Lebanese public bearing the cost of Iran’s interests.
Separate reporting also describes a wider strategic dispute: analysts say Iran seeks to keep Lebanon as leverage in broader U.S.-linked negotiations aimed at ending Hezbollah’s war on terms favorable to Iran, while a U.S.-sponsored track involves Lebanon and Israel to end hostilities along their border. Sources also describe disagreement within Lebanon about the ceasefire framework, including demands from Lebanese figures for a more comprehensive ceasefire without restrictions.
