WANA (Jun 06) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected claims that Tehran uses Lebanon as a bargaining tool in negotiations with the United States, urging Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to focus on what he described as Lebanon’s “real enemy.”

 

Speaking on Saturday in response to Aoun’s recent remarks, Araghchi dismissed allegations that Iran and Hezbollah are exploiting Lebanon to advance their interests in talks with Washington.

 

In an interview with CNN, Aoun had claimed that Iran and Hezbollah use Lebanon as leverage in their dealings with the United States, arguing that the Lebanese people are paying the price for this situation. He also called on Iran not to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs and said diplomacy is the only viable path for addressing tensions with Israel.

 

Responding in a post on X, Araghchi said that if Lebanon had truly been a bargaining chip for Iran, Tehran would have reached an agreement with the United States long ago. Referring to Lebanon’s security situation, he added: “According to Mr. Aoun’s remarks, it seems that Iran is the one occupying part of Lebanon’s territory, displacing hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people, and bombing the country on a daily basis.”

 

The Iranian foreign minister then addressed Aoun directly, writing: “Save Lebanon from its real enemy, Mr. President.”

 

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti, Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan, also criticized Aoun’s comments, warning that continuing such positions could damage his national credibility. Qabalan urged the Lebanese president to refrain from adopting stances that he said are “unworthy of the presidency.”

 

The exchange comes as Lebanon continues to grapple with the consequences of ongoing conflict and security tensions along its southern border, while debates over the role of regional actors remain a contentious issue in the country’s political landscape.