Lebanese President Aoun: Lebanon made sovereign decision to separate from Iran-US track

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that Lebanon has made a sovereign decision to separate its path from the Iranian-American track, in remarks that appeared to push back against expectations that Lebanon would be drawn into the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. 'We made a sovereign decision to separate our path from the Iranian-American track,' Aoun said, according to reports. He added that this is a problem for those accustomed to being under a guardianship that dictates their path.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's latest statement reinforces his consistent position that Lebanon's sovereignty must be preserved independently of the US-Iran track. The Zioneer has previously reported on Aoun's insistence on Lebanon's independent negotiations. On June 24, Aoun stated that talks in Washington are separate from the parallel US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, according to The Zioneer's reporting. On June 17, he said no settlement would be made at Lebanon's expense. Aoun's latest remarks specifically reference a "sovereign decision" to separate Lebanon's path from the "Iranian-American track," a formulation that appears to counter any notion that Lebanon would be bound by the outcome of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The statement comes amid reports of a struggle within the US administration over the direction of Lebanon policy, with Vice President Vance reportedly favoring a pro-Iran line and Secretary of State Rubio backing Lebanese sovereignty, as The Zioneer reported on June 24.

2 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 14:41 · 3 JulLatest

   Aoun stated the Israel framework agreement does not legitimize continued occupation.

2. 14:36 · 3 Jul

   Lebanese President Aoun: Lebanon made sovereign decision to separate from Iran-US track

• Strong15:30 · 17 JunLebanese President Aoun insists no settlement will be made at Lebanon's expense
• Developing12:40 · 24 JunLebanese President Aoun: talks in Washington continue, separate from US-Iran track
• Developing16:46 · 23 JunLebanese President Aoun: No compromise except full Israeli withdrawal
• Developing13:17 · 15 JunLebanese Army chief Joseph Aoun hails US-Iran MOU, says people expect practical steps

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