Iran rejects Lebanon ‘bargaining chip’ claim by president

WEB DESK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has firmly rejected accusations by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Tehran is using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States.

In a post on X on Saturday, Araqchi said Lebanon would have secured a deal long ago if it were merely a negotiating tool for Iran. He urged the Lebanese president to focus on the country’s “real foe” instead.

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

The sharp exchange came a day after Aoun claimed that Iran was exploiting Lebanon’s situation for its own strategic interests, leaving the Lebanese people to bear the consequences of Tehran’s regional policies.

Iran’s response

Araqchi’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between Iran and elements within the Lebanese leadership amid broader regional instability.

The Iranian minister’s statement highlights Tehran’s insistence that it stands with Lebanon against external threats rather than sacrificing it for diplomatic gains.

Lebanon has been grappling with political and economic crises, compounded by the aftermath of conflicts involving Hezbollah, which receives significant support from Iran.

The country’s fragile sovereignty has often placed it at the centre of proxy rivalries in the Middle East.

Background

The public disagreement reflects deeper frictions as Iran engages in sensitive talks with the United States over its nuclear programme and regional influence.

Lebanese officials have increasingly voiced concerns about their nation being drawn into larger geopolitical confrontations.

Dawn understands that such accusations have surfaced periodically as Lebanon struggles to assert independence while managing alliances and internal divisions.

Aoun’s comments on Friday came against a backdrop of calls for national unity and efforts to shield the country from further external entanglements.