Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said ongoing talks in Washington are separate from the parallel US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland. He added that work is underway to solidify the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and pave the way for an Israeli withdrawal, but the definition of pilot security zones is still under discussion and awaits Israeli approval.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday clarified the status of the dual diplomatic tracks currently underway, in a statement reported by Arab media. Aoun said the Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington are progressing separately from the US-Iran negotiations taking place simultaneously in Switzerland. He stated that efforts are focused on cementing the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and subsequently securing a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. However, Aoun noted that the precise definition of pilot security zones—areas designated for phased Israeli pullback—remains under discussion and awaits a response from Israel. The remarks come amid intensified US-brokered diplomacy, as Western and regional mediators push for tangible progress along both tracks. As The Zioneer previously reported, the Washington track involves delegations led by Israel and Lebanon discussing Hezbollah disarmament and security arrangements. Separately, US-Iran talks in Geneva have touched on the Lebanese arena, though Aoun's statement seeks to emphasize the Lebanon talks' independence from that framework. The open question remains whether Israel will approve the proposed pilot zone boundaries, which military analysts say could affect the scope of IDF freedom of action in southern Lebanon.
- StrongLebanese President Aoun insists no settlement will be made at Lebanon's expense
- StrongAnalyst: US administration divided over Lebanon talks — Vance pro-Iran, Rubio backs Lebanese sovereignty
- DevelopingUS, France and Lebanon push for Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah redeployment talks
- DevelopingLebanese President Aoun speaks with US VP Vance, Kushner, and Qatar PM on ceasefire
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