Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed that Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel are independent and not linked to the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement. He said Lebanon is committed to a ceasefire and welcomes help from any country, including Iran, but stressed that Lebanon’s sovereignty must be respected and no one negotiates on its behalf [1, 2, 3].
"The assurances we received, and what we insist on, are that Lebanon’s path in the negotiations is independent, though we are certainly for a ceasefire and for any country that helps us, including Iran," Aoun said [1]. He also declared, "The Lebanese state is conducting the negotiations, and it is sovereign in its decision-making. No one takes its place, and any settlement will be through Lebanon, not at its expense" [2].
The peace talks between Lebanon and Israel have been held in multiple rounds since April in Washington D.C. The next, fifth round is scheduled for next week, approximately June 22 to 24 [1, 3].
The diplomatic efforts occur amid an Israeli offensive launched on March 2 that has caused thousands of casualties and displaced more than one million people in Lebanon [2]. Despite a US-Iran ceasefire deal announced on June 15 that referenced Lebanon, Israeli air strikes continue in southern Lebanon, causing further casualties [3].
Hezbollah, which opposes Lebanon’s direct talks with Israel, has expressed gratitude to Iran and Pakistan for including Lebanon in the US-Iran ceasefire agreement [3].
President Aoun emphasized Lebanon's sovereign decision-making amid these complex negotiations and ongoing hostilities. The next round of talks in Washington D.C. will be closely watched for progress toward ceasefire and settlement [1, 3].
