Exclusive: Lebanese president accuses Iran of using his country as a bargaining chip in peace talks with the US

Exclusive: Lebanese President Accuses Iran of Leveraging Country as a Bargaining Chip in Peace Talks with the US

Exclusive – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has sharply criticized Iran for treating Lebanon as a strategic pawn in its negotiations with the United States. In a rare and exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, the president emphasized his determination to shield his nation from the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, even as the Lebanese people grow increasingly frustrated with the recurring violence. Aoun’s remarks highlight the internal conflict within Lebanon, where citizens are demanding an end to the war that has ravaged their country for decades.

Lebanese People’s Weariness with War

“The Lebanese people are tired of war,” Aoun stated, underscoring their longing for stability and dignity. He reiterated that their homes have been destroyed every five to ten years, a pattern that has eroded public trust in the current leadership. “They deserve to live in peace,” he said, “not to see their communities shattered while foreign powers dictate the terms of their survival.”

“(Lebanese people) deserve to live in peace and in dignity, they deserve not seeing their homes being destroyed every five to 10 years.”

The president’s frustration stems from Iran’s perceived manipulation of Lebanon’s geopolitical position. Despite years of instability, Aoun has vowed to “do whatever it takes” to preserve his nation’s sovereignty. His comments come amid a broader effort to mediate between Iran and the US, with Lebanon caught in the crossfire of their rivalry. “It’s not your country, it’s our country,” Aoun declared, directly addressing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has long supported Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s Entanglement in the Conflict

Since its establishment in the 1980s, Hezbollah has played a pivotal role in Lebanon’s internal dynamics, often positioning itself as the defender of southern Lebanon and the Palestinian cause. However, its alignment with Iran has drawn criticism from the Lebanese populace, who now see the group as a threat rather than a protector. The current conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel in response to a US-Israeli military operation that targeted Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have had a devastating impact on Lebanon, resulting in over 3,500 casualties and displacing nearly a fifth of its population. Aoun has pointed to this human toll as evidence of Lebanon’s vulnerability to external pressures. “The people of Lebanon are paying the price for your own interests,” he said, criticizing Iran’s insistence on using the country as leverage. The Lebanese state, already weakened by decades of foreign intervention and sectarian divisions, has sought to reduce Hezbollah’s influence through disarming efforts. Yet, the group’s refusal to surrender its arms unless Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory has stalled progress.

“You are not trying to help us … the people of Lebanon are paying the price … for the sake of your own interest,”

“our interests … do not coincide with your interests.”

Peace Efforts and Diplomatic Dilemmas

Aoun’s administration has taken an unprecedented step by pursuing direct ceasefire talks with Israel, a move that signals a shift in Lebanon’s strategy. The president argued that such negotiations are essential to achieving lasting peace, stating, “We are ready, we are willing, we are committed (to negotiations to end the war).” He called on Israel to recognize the shared opportunity for reconciliation, noting that both nations have grown weary of the conflict that began in 1948.

“This is a huge opportunity. They both have to choose: war or… diplomacy,” Aoun added, framing the situation as a critical moment for Lebanon’s future. However, the ceasefire agreements have struggled to gain traction, as Hezbollah continues to reject disarming unless Israel’s military presence is reduced. The group’s leader, Naim Qassem, dismissed the talks as a “surrender,” claiming the proposed truce was entirely rejected by large portions of the Lebanese public.

“They are both fed up with war since 1948,”

“This is a huge opportunity. They both have to choose: war or… diplomacy.”

Aoun’s challenge lies in balancing domestic support for Hezbollah with the need for peace. While he has acknowledged the group’s historical role in defending Lebanon, he has also highlighted the growing discontent among citizens, particularly among Shiite communities. “They are Lebanese people. They are not Naim Qassem’s people,” he said, offering a rare public critique of the Iranian-backed leader.

Iran’s Response and the Path Forward

Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, refuted Aoun’s claims, asserting that Lebanon has never been a bargaining chip for Tehran. “Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” Araghchi said, suggesting that the US has been the primary obstacle to peace. His statement implies that Iran’s involvement in the conflict is driven by broader strategic goals, not solely by Lebanon’s fate.

Aoun’s actions reflect Lebanon’s precarious position. With limited diplomatic leverage, the president has sought to align with the US to counter Iran’s influence. Yet, Hezbollah’s continued resistance threatens to undermine these efforts. The group’s leaders argue that Lebanon’s survival depends on maintaining their armed presence, a stance that has drawn both domestic and international criticism.

As the conflict drags on, the Lebanese government faces mounting pressure to resolve the crisis. Aoun has warned that without a shift toward diplomacy, Lebanon will remain a battleground. “If you are not [willing to negotiate], you will never live in peace, safety and security,” he said, addressing the Israeli leadership. This statement underscores the president’s belief that both sides must commit to a lasting agreement to avoid further devastation.

The road to peace remains uncertain, but Aoun’s efforts to broker a ceasefire with Israel mark a significant turning point. His willingness to prioritize diplomacy over traditional alliances with Hezbollah highlights the urgency of the situation. While the Lebanese people continue to suffer, the president remains resolute in his mission to restore stability, even as tensions between Iran and the US threaten to escalate further.

In the end, the outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Lebanon can emerge from its current turmoil or become an even greater casualty of the regional conflict. Aoun’s words serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the need for a unified approach to peace. “Our country is not just a tool for your negotiations,” he declared. “It is the home of our people, and they deserve a future free from conflict.”