Aoun says he's going to U.S. because he's counting on Trump

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is heading to the United States with the explicit goal of meeting President Donald Trump, aiming to ensure the Lebanese issue remains a priority on the American agenda. Aoun emphasized the importance of a strong relationship with the U.S. and expressed confidence in Trump's desire to assist Lebanon.

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We want to solidify its position there.

"We want to solidify its position there," Aoun stated in an interview with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper. He highlighted the U.S. as the sole entity capable of exerting pressure on the Israeli government to halt attacks on southern Beirut and prevent further expansion of occupied territories in southern Lebanon. "No other party is capable of playing this role," he stressed.

Aoun is calling on Trump to support Lebanon's demands for the return of all occupied land, asserting that sovereignty is non-negotiable and that the land should be under the sole control of the Lebanese Army. He expects Trump to be instrumental in persuading Israel to withdraw from Lebanon.

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There's no need to reiterate the importance of having a good relationship with the United States, and of capitalizing on President Donald Trump's expressed desire to help us. His role is vital and we are counting on it.

Addressing the domestic rift over direct negotiations with Israel, Aoun explained that Lebanon faced limited options due to the escalating war and the significant imbalance of power. He described the scenes of displacement and destruction as harrowing, leaving no choice but to request U.S. assistance. Direct negotiations were seen as the only viable path to shorten the occupation, alleviate suffering, facilitate returns, and begin reconstruction.

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The United States is the only side capable of exerting pressure on the Israeli government to prevent it from targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, the infrastructure, or expanding the occupied territories in southern Lebanon.

Regarding domestic politics, Aoun stated that changing the government must occur within the constitutional framework, prohibiting street protests for such purposes. He also affirmed that his offices remain open to all, without exception, despite current disagreements with Hezbollah.

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No other party is capable of playing this role.