Araghchi Tells Aoun: Save Lebanon From Your Real Foe
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Joseph Aoun’s criticism of Tehran, urging the Lebanese president to confront Lebanon’s real enemy instead.
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi sharply responded to remarks made by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States.
In a statement published on X on Saturday, Araghchi rejected Aoun’s claims and pointed instead to the ongoing Israeli occupation and attacks against Lebanon.
“Based on Mr. Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis,” Araghchi wrote.
The Iranian foreign minister also dismissed allegations that Tehran was sacrificing Lebanese interests during its negotiations with Washington.
“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” he said.
Araghchi concluded his remarks by urging the Lebanese president to focus on what he described as Lebanon’s actual enemy.
“Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President.”
Iranian Officials Criticize Aoun’s Remarks
The comments came after Aoun criticized what he described as Iranian interference in Lebanon during an interview with CNN.
Aoun claimed that Iran was attempting to link Lebanon to its discussions with the United States and argued that Hezbollah should pursue negotiations rather than military confrontation.
According to Aoun, “They are using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with the United States.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei also criticized the Lebanese president, publishing a message in Lebanese Arabic saying that Aoun had abandoned those who supported him while pursuing those who stood against him.
Israeli Aggression Continues Despite Ceasefire Framework
The exchange of statements comes as Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire framework announced earlier this week through U.S.-mediated negotiations.
On June 4, Lebanese officials said a ceasefire arrangement with the Israeli occupation had been reached and could enter into effect within 24 hours.
However, Israeli attacks have continued across Lebanon since then, targeting civilian areas, homes, infrastructure, and emergency personnel.
In one of the incidents reported after the announcement, Israeli forces struck an ambulance delivering food to a family in the town of Zebdine.
Separately, Commander of the IRGC Quds Force Brigadier General Esmaeil Qaani reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Lebanese Resistance, stating that the Israeli occupation must withdraw to the positions it held before the recent U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Qaani also expressed confidence that Lebanon would ultimately prevail in the face of continued Israeli aggression. (PW)