The situation in Lebanon has been central to Iran’s efforts aimed at defeating the U.S./Israel assault on the region. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei noted, in response to a reporter’s question, that the word “Lebanon” appeared three times in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between U.S. and Iranian officials. The understanding referred to “ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” as well as “respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Baghaei said. “The language is completely clear about what any understanding in this regard should entail,” he added, suggesting that the agreement went beyond a simple cessation of hostilities and encompassed broader commitments concerning Lebanon’s sovereignty.
In Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the U.S.-Iran agreement, expressing hope that it would contribute to ending military escalation in the region and open the door to broader stability efforts, including in Lebanon. “I value the provisions contained in this memorandum, particularly the respect shown for Lebanon’s specific circumstances and the acknowledgment that Lebanon’s stability and security constitute an integral part of any serious effort aimed at consolidating stability in the region,” Aoun said, reported Al Mayadeen.
Aoun also thanked the countries and parties that contributed to the agreement and worked to ensure Lebanon was included in ceasefire efforts, which he said reflected an understanding of the scale of suffering experienced by the Lebanese people, but apparently without naming Iran.
He lastly expressed hope that the memorandum would serve as the starting point for a wider process that strengthens regional stability, respects state sovereignty, and enables Lebanon to focus on rebuilding areas destroyed by the Israeli aggression and “restoring normal lives under a secure and stable state.”
Nonetheless, Al Mayadeen reports that the Lebanese government remains committed to the separate track negotiations with Israel, which have so far yielded no benefit for Lebanon. A fifth round of talks is scheduled for June 22.
