US Secretary of State Rubio Urges Disarmament of Hezbollah for Peace in Lebanon

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met overnight with Lebanese President Michel Aoun during his diplomatic visit to the United States, ahead of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump. Following their discussion, Rubio emphasized the necessity of disarming Hezbollah, describing the group as Lebanon's greatest obstacle to peace due to its armed militia backed by Iran. He stressed that Lebanon's best path forward is establishing a legitimate government that controls the entire country and holds exclusive authority over weapons.

Rubio highlighted the threat Hezbollah poses, particularly to northern Israel, and proposed replacing the militia's influence with a strong government capable of ensuring security and prosperity. He stated that Lebanon's security should be entrusted solely to the Lebanese army. Rubio expressed optimism about progress toward peace between Israel and Lebanon, noting that he and Aoun discussed ways to neutralize Hezbollah's threat.

Concluding the meeting, Rubio expressed confidence that President Aoun's upcoming talks with President Trump would be productive and that Aoun could return to Lebanon with tangible results benefiting all Lebanese communities, Christians, Sunnis, Shiites, Bedouins, and Druze, rather than Hezbollah or Iran. Rubio affirmed that Aoun is Lebanon's legitimate ruler and that his government should lead the nation.