Politics
Lebanese President to Iran: Lebanon's future is not a bargaining chip
"Lebanon is ours!" President Aoun’s defiant declaration to Iran ignites massive national sovereignty calls.
![A car drives past a billboard bearing an Arabic slogan reading "Peace for the future of Lebanon" in the Dora area, at Beirut’s northern entrance, on June 9, 2026. [Joseph Eid / AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/06/16/56531-beirut-600_384.webp)
By Nohad Topalian |
Amid ongoing Washington negotiations, the Iranian regime continues to use Lebanon as a crucial bargaining chip in its separate strategic talks with the United States.
Tehran seeks to include Lebanon in any ceasefire agreement, leveraging Hizbullah’s extensive regional influence to advance its long-term strategic objectives.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun issued a strong condemnation on June 5, directly telling Iran that Lebanon "is not your country; it is ours" in a CNN interview.
He insisted Iran must quickly "distance itself from Lebanon," noting its use of Lebanon as a bargaining chip in the negotiations with the US.
Aoun firmly maintains that the Lebanese government alone is responsible for diplomatic talks with Israel, a position Hizbullah opposes while demanding a greater Iranian role.
Political writer Michel Chammai asserts the Iranian regime treats Hizbullah as a pliable "pawn" to secure substantial domestic gains and regional leverage.
"The Lebanese populace, weary of instability, overwhelmingly embraced Aoun’s remarks as a powerful and much-needed declaration of national sovereignty," he told Al-Fassel.
Recent conflict exchanges, including Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on June 7, underscore the Iranian regime's attempts to overtly link the two disputes.
On June 8, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened renewed, harsher strikes unless Israel immediately halts its military actions against both Iran and Lebanon.
Analysts emphasize Lebanon’s path to decoupling from the Iranian regime offers strong hope for a future free from paralyzing militia rule.
The international community must recognize Lebanon's predicament and strategically support strengthening its vital institutions, especially the national army.
This vital support ensures Lebanon’s future is determined solely by its people’s interests, not the strategic dictates of Iran.
I am truly impressed by the President of the Republic—who is fully up to the task—and the esteemed Cabinet Ministers, as they champion the demands of their people and their homeland, Lebanon. A heartfelt salute to our leaders; may Allah protect them.
Every country must uphold its territorial boundaries and adhere to its rights regarding external relations; otherwise, dire consequences await those who transgress their borders and violate their nation's laws.
Whoever commits aggression against people is not one of us.
Whoever commits aggression against us is not one of us.
And whoever fails to counter aggression is not one of us.
Allah is Great, and with Him lies the ultimate decree.
He grants respite, yet He never forgets.
And the Hour is coming—there is no doubt about it.
Thank you for this article
Yes, this is my country, which has been suffering for fifty years.
Iran must leave Lebanon immediately; no one wants war. War was Iran's objective; look at what happened with the Shiite collaborators. We do not want foreigners in Lebanon, nor do we want Iran waging its war from our soil. The President of the Republic and the Prime Minister have spoken, yet Iran fails to grasp that it is unwelcome here. Lebanon rejects tutelage from any country. If Iran possessed any honour or dignity, it would not be waging its war from Lebanon. A word to US President Trump: if you wish to help Lebanon, keep Iran away. In the past, when America entered Syria, it effectively assumed tutelage over Lebanon; chaos ensued, Lebanese people were killed, and our homes and livelihoods were looted. Please, President Trump, keep Iran away from Lebanon. Do not repeat the mistake of acting solely to protect Israel; send your troops to protect Israel if you must, but remember that Lebanon seeks peace in the region, not war or bloodshed.