Lebanon’s Aoun Slams Iran for Using Country as ‘Bargaining Chip,’ Araghchi Responds

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has delivered a sharp rebuke of Iran and Hezbollah for dragging his country into war with Israel, accusing Tehran of using Lebanon as a “bargaining chip” in its negotiations with Washington.

Aoun’s remarks followed Hezbollah leader’s rejection of the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between the governments of Lebanon and Israel, which hinges on the Iranian-backed group halting its attacks.

‘Not Your Country’

In an interview with CNN on Friday, Aoun lashed out at Iran and its Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – the main backers of Hezbollah. “It’s not your country, it’s our country. (Iran is) using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiation with US. It is unacceptable” he said.

Iran has made a ceasefire in Lebanon a precondition for any deal to end the ongoing conflict with the US.

Aoun noted that the Lebanese people are “fed up” with the war between Hezbollah and Israel and want to live in peace. “You are not trying to help us … the people of Lebanon are paying the price … for the sake of your own interest,” he told Iran, “our interests … do not coincide with your interests,” he added.

Peace Talks with Israel

As fighting broke out on March 2, following Hezbollah’s decision to target Israel with drones and missiles in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Lebanese President instructed his government to launch direct negotiations with Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement, with US mediation.

Aoun said that Lebanon is committed to talks with Israel, adding that the two countries have a “great opportunity” to end the state of hostility and live in peace. “If you are not, you will never live in peace, safety and security,” he said, addressing Israeli people and government.

Criticizing Hezbollah

Although the governments of Lebanon and Israel agreed on a renewed US-backed ceasefire agreement contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah attacks and withdrawal of its fighters from southern Lebanon, the Iranian-backed group – which is not a party in the negotiations – rejected the deal.

In a written statement on Thursday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that negotiations had been “futile” and “humiliating” for Lebanon, stressing that “resistance will continue” as long as the Israeli occupation persists.

“The ceasefire must be comprehensive, without a separation between the south and the rest of Lebanon, and without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill,” he said.

In light of this, Aoun slammed the Iranian-backed group, noting that Lebanese people across different sects are “fed up” with Hezbollah’s war with Israel. “They are Lebanese people. They are not Naim Qassem’s people,” he said.

Hezbollah Disarmament

Since assuming office last year, Aoun has pressed for the peaceful disarmament of Hezbollah – a demand that the group rejects without the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

However, the Lebanese President criticized Israel’s military approach to dismantling Hezbollah, saying that Lebanon‘s government is capable of doing this only after Israeli withdrawal and insisting that the conflict can only end through diplomacy.

“They can invade the whole country, they can flatten the whole country, but they will never be able to achieve their objective. Hezbollah is not an objective you can see… it’s an idea,” Aoun said.

“I prefer negotiations over wars. The best way forward is diplomacy,” he added.

The conflict in Lebanon has so far killed over 3,500 people and injured more than 10,700 others, according to Lebanese Health Ministry’s data. The war has also displaced more than a million people.

Iran Pushes Back

In response to Aoun’s statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against the Lebanese leader’s claims of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip, calling on him to save his country from its “real foe.”

“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.

Had Lebanon been bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” Araghchi wrote on X.

Late on Thursday, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s support for ending the war in Lebanon as part of any potential deal with the US. “This war will end only when it ends in Lebanon as well. The end of the war on Lebanon must be accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they have occupied,” he told Lebanese TV channel Al Mayadeen.

Similarly, military adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaei, reaffirmed Tehran’s support for Hezbollah, according to Mehr News Agency.

“We support Hezbollah and remain firmly committed to our obligations toward it,” he said.

Rezaei also warned Israel against resuming strikes on Beirut. “Today we again warn this sinister regime to leave Lebanon. They should know that Lebanon will be an inseparable part of any agreement and any ceasefire,” he said.