Aoun Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire, Demands Lebanese Inclusion in Final Deal

Lebanon - Ekhbary News Agency

Aoun Welcomes US-Iran Ceasefire, Demands Lebanese Inclusion in Final Deal

Lebanese President General Michel Aoun welcomed the US-Iran announcement of a 15-day ceasefire, commending the efforts of all parties that contributed to reaching this agreement, particularly the efforts of Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.

President Aoun expressed his hope that this announcement would represent a first step towards a final and comprehensive agreement addressing the various issues that constitute points of tension in the region, while emphasizing the necessity of preserving the sovereignty of each state in the region. Aoun affirmed that violence is not an effective means to resolve disputes between nations, and that the primary goal of governments is to achieve the well-being of their peoples and ensure their dignified lives, not to lead them to their deaths.

Ensuring Lebanon's Sovereignty and Arms Control

President Aoun stressed the continuation of the Lebanese state's efforts to ensure a stable and lasting regional peace for Lebanon, in accordance with the principles agreed upon by the Lebanese people. These principles include the full sovereignty of their state over all its territories and its liberation from any occupying presence. He also emphasized that the right to wage war, make peace, and use legitimate force should be exclusively held by Lebanon's constitutional institutions.

President Aoun clarified that this matter constitutes the sole responsibility of the Lebanese state in any negotiation aimed at achieving the general Lebanese interest. In a related context, the Lebanese Army Command urged citizens to exercise caution regarding their return to southern villages and towns, and to avoid approaching areas where Israeli forces have advanced, given the evolving regional developments.

Divergent Stances on Ceasefire Inclusion for Lebanon

While sources told "Al-Modon" newspaper that the Lebanese state had been notified that the ceasefire includes all regional arenas, including the Lebanese front, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically denied that the temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran also includes Lebanon. The Israeli army announced in its statement that it continues its ground operations and combat against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite declaring a ceasefire in the battle with Iran.

Recent Israeli positions reflect the ongoing tension on the Lebanese front, showing a clear divergence between the Iranian narrative, which portrays the agreement as encompassing all resistance forces, and the Israeli stance, which explicitly excludes Lebanon from the equation.

Return Attempts and Warnings

Despite the ceasefire announcement, dozens of residents from southern Lebanon attempted to return to their areas amidst ongoing Israeli shelling. This comes as Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri praised the efforts of the Pakistani government which led to a regional ceasefire.

For his part, the Supreme National Security Council of Iran announced a "historic victory" and called for national unity until details are finalized. Meanwhile, the head of Iran's National Security Committee announced America's acceptance of Iran's 10-point conditions. In Moscow, the Kremlin welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova praised the approach of unwarranted aggressive attack on Iran, stating it had been defeated.

In Washington, the White House stated that President Trump had succeeded in opening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting his ability to make peace. Trump, for his part, indicated his belief that China contributed to pushing Iran towards negotiations. In a related development, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced strikes on energy infrastructure facilities and ports linked to the Ukrainian army.