Baghaei’s Sharp Criticism of Lebanon’s President: Selling Friends, Buying Enemies
Baghaei says those who stood by Lebanon are being abandoned while Israeli aggression and occupation continue to threaten the country.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun following the latter’s remarks accusing Iran of using Lebanon as leverage in negotiations with the United States.
In a message posted in Arabic on Saturday, Baghaei wrote:
“He sells the one who stands beside him and buys the one who stands against him. He abandons the one who supported him and supports the one who placed him under pressure.”
The remarks came after Aoun claimed in an interview with CNN that Iran uses Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Washington.
His message reflected the view that those who supported Lebanon are being set aside while those responsible for pressuring the country are being embraced.
The statement was issued following Aoun’s interview and the reactions it generated across the region.
Save Lebanon from its real enemy, Mr. President
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also rejected Aoun’s remarks.
Writing on X, Araghchi said that based on the Lebanese president’s statements, one might think it is Iran that occupies Lebanese territory, displaces Lebanese citizens, and carries out daily attacks against the country.
“Apparently, according to Mr. Aoun’s statements, it is Iran that occupies one-fifth of Lebanese territory, has displaced one-quarter of the Lebanese population, and bombs his country every day,” Araghchi wrote.
He added that if Lebanon had been a bargaining tool for Iran, an agreement with the United States would have been reached long ago.
“Save Lebanon from its real enemy, Mr. President,” Araghchi added.
Baghaei: Israel Wants Neither Security Nor Stability for Lebanon
Later on Saturday, Baghaei issued another statement following the Israeli attack that killed three Lebanese Army personnel in southern Lebanon.
Offering condolences for the martyrdom of Brigadier General Wissam Sabra, Captain Elie Khoury, and soldier Hassan Ghazzal, Baghaei said the targeting of Lebanese Army personnel once again demonstrated that Israel’s hostility extends to all segments of Lebanese society.
“The occupation makes no distinction between an army soldier, a Resistance fighter, and a civilian, just as it does not distinguish between a child, a woman, and an elderly person,” he said.
Baghaei stated that everyone living in Lebanon has become a target of Israeli aggression and that the entire country continues to witness Israeli crimes.
Describing the attack on the Lebanese military vehicle on the Khardali road as a crime against Lebanon, its army, and its sovereignty, he said the strike carried a clear message that “Israel wants neither security, nor stability, nor prosperity for Lebanon.”
Baghaei extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs, the Lebanese Army leadership, the Lebanese government, and the Lebanese people, praising the fallen servicemen and condemning Israel’s continued crimes against Lebanon. (PW)