Lebanese PM Tells Iran's President Lebanon Won't Be Regional Conflict Arena
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday that Lebanon does not wish to be a theater for regional conflicts or a platform for exchanging messages, particularly in the wake of recent hostilities with Israel and clashes involving Iran-backed Hezbollah. Salam, meeting Pezeshkian on the sidelines of UN General Assembly meetings in New York, emphasized that Lebanon has paid a heavy price in terms of its security, stability, and economy.
The recent conflict, which began with alleged Israeli-American strikes on Iran on February 28 and extended to Lebanon in early March, saw Hezbollah launch rockets at Israel following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with extensive raids and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 4,300 deaths according to Lebanese authorities. This escalation followed another confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah between 2023 and 2024, linked to the war in Gaza.
Hostilities subsided after a US-Iran understanding in June and the signing of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. However, Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, declaring a "security zone" and conducting raids it claims target Hezbollah facilities. Salam stressed the historical relationship between Lebanon and Iran, expressing Lebanon's desire for a new chapter based on mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and common interests.
He also called on Iran to nominate a new ambassador to Beirut, signaling a desire for state-to-state relations after the previous ambassador was declared persona non grata. Salam reiterated that the government's priorities are Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanese territory, an end to its aggressions, and the extension of Lebanese state authority over its entire land, with weapons exclusively in state hands. Hezbollah, however, rejects disarming and has opposed direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
