President Aoun Rejects Iran's Influence Over Lebanon's Decisions

President Joseph Aoun affirmed that if Hezbollah chooses to remain in a state of war, it will harm the very society it claims to protect.

He told Reuters, "We have no option but to negotiate to end this conflict, as do the Israelis."

The president also declared, "We do not accept Lebanon becoming a battleground for others' wars, and we are committed to a diplomatic path; there is no military solution."

Furthermore, President Aoun emphasized that Iran cannot dictate what Lebanon must do, highlighting that Lebanon is a sovereign state and that Iran has no right to speak on its behalf.

He stressed that Lebanon's future lies in the hands of the Lebanese people, not Iran or Israel.

The president stated that Lebanon is continuing on the path of negotiations and added that if the next round is delayed, the Israeli side will bear responsibility for that.

He clarified that the "Washington declaration" did not grant Israel freedom of movement but affirmed the right of both parties to self-defense.

President Aoun also revealed that Lebanon is conducting communications with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to reach a ceasefire, based on their relations with Iran.