Iran's Araghchi rebukes Lebanese president over remarks on Tehran's role in Lebanon

Rejects notion that Lebanon being used by Tehran as leverage in negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun after the latter’s comments on Tehran’s role in Lebanon.

In a post on X. Araghchi said Aoun’s remarks created the impression that Iran, rather than another actor, was responsible for Lebanon’s current challenges.

“Based on Mr Aoun’s comments, one would think it’s Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of the Lebanese. is bombing his country on a daily basis,” he wrote.

The Iranian foreign minister also rejected the notion that Lebanon was being used by Tehran as leverage in negotiations.

“Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” he said.

Based on Mr. Aoun's comments, one would think it's Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese. 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.https://t.co/24OJ9uiIXU

Read:IRGC hits US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain in retaliation for drone attacks in latest Gulf flare-up

Araghchi concluded his message by urging the Lebanese president to focus on what he described as Beirut's “real foe.”

The remarks came in response to comments made by Aoun during an interview withCNN, in which the Lebanese president discussed Iran. the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun tells CNN's Christiane Amanpour his message to the IRGC. Iran.https://t.co/V3msdvKCG1pic.twitter.com/Nrjn6wqPcA

The exchange highlights growing public differences between Beirut. Tehran over regional developments and Lebanon’s position amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

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