Lebanese leaders warn Iran against interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directly addressed Iran on Friday, saying: "This is not your country, it is ours... You have no right to interfere in our affairs."
Following the U.S. announcement of a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, Lebanese leaders issued a firm warning to Iran on Friday, demanding that Tehran cease meddling in Lebanon’s affairs, as the ceasefire has failed to take effect.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun directly addressed Iran on Friday, saying: "This is not your country, it is ours... You have no right to interfere in our affairs."
President Aoun further stated: "Hezbollah must understand that there is no other solution except sitting down at the negotiating table."
This marks the first time in recent years that Aoun’s government has engaged in direct talks with Israel—a move unprecedented in decades. Due to the absence of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Israel, this step has drawn opposition from Hezbollah and parts of the Lebanese public.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also urged Iran to stop using Lebanon as a "pressure tool" in negotiations with the United States and in efforts to end the war in the Middle East.
In response, Tehran insists that any agreement reached with Washington must include a ceasefire along the Lebanese front and demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue massive aerial strikes in southern Lebanon. After ordering residents of approximately ten villages to evacuate, Israeli forces have persistently targeted Hezbollah positions that refuse to accept the ceasefire agreement.
The foreign ministers of 11 countries—including France, Canada, and Australia—as well as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" over the continued escalation of the situation in Lebanon.
The statement commended the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend state authority across the country, particularly its initiatives aimed at disarming Hezbollah.
Hezbollah may consider withdrawing from southern Lebanon for the first time
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has long served as a key intermediary between Hezbollah and the government. For the first time, he suggested that if Israel withdraws from Lebanon and a "comprehensive and unconditional" ceasefire agreement is reached, Hezbollah might consider pulling out of southern Lebanon.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867221804391433/
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