Hezbollah MP Criticizes Lebanese President Ahead of Trump Meeting Amid Regional Tensions

Ahead of a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the White House, Hezbollah MP Hassan Ezzedine sharply criticized Aoun in a speech in Beirut. Ezzedine accused Aoun of arrogance and said his insistence on direct negotiations with Israel risks dividing Lebanon and weakening national consensus. He further claimed Aoun no longer represents all Lebanese but only a faction within the country. This criticism comes amid internal Lebanese tensions over implementing the US-mediated agreement with Israel, including Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

President Aoun recently visited the White House for his first official visit since 2009, where he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Reports indicate they agreed on completing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of a trilateral framework.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has emphasized ending the current state of "neither war nor peace" in the country. Pezeshkian noted that all decisions are guided by Khamenei and claimed Iran's negotiation achievements have exceeded expectations, while accusing Washington of violating commitments. These remarks come amid ongoing Middle East tensions and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate between Iran and the US. Qatar and Pakistan reportedly proposed a 10-day ceasefire to facilitate renewed diplomacy and revive the interim agreement.

Separately, Jordan's King Abdullah II began a visit to the United Kingdom to meet with leading business figures and participate in the Jordan-UK Business Forum. The visit aims to explore opportunities to expand economic cooperation and attract foreign investment amid regional economic challenges.