Hezbollah links Lebanon's fate to Iran-US talks; President Aoun pushes for state control

Hezbollah is maintaining its stance that Lebanon's concerns must be intrinsically linked to broader Iran-US negotiations, with party officials declaring that Lebanon's issues would be the primary focus of any final agreement. This position comes as Lebanon anticipates a sixth round of negotiations with Israel, reportedly set to take place in Rome.

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The first item will be a permanent ceasefire, an end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal.

Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan stated that Iranian officials assured Lebanese leaders that Lebanon would be the top priority in any potential final agreement with the United States. He specified that this would include a permanent ceasefire, an end to the war, and an Israeli withdrawal. Hajj Hassan also criticized the Framework Agreement between Lebanon and Israel, deeming it flawed and arguing that it made disarmament contingent on Israeli satisfaction.

Hezbollah reiterated its refusal to disarm, with Hajj Hassan stating, "Disarmament is unattainable. You will not be able to achieve it, and we will not hand over our weapons." Fellow MP Ibrahim Mousawi reaffirmed support for the "resistance and its leadership," asserting that the group's popular base remains steadfast. Mousawi also claimed Lebanon was the first item in a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States and criticized Lebanon's negotiation approach, suggesting sovereignty is earned through defense, not slogans.

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Disarmament is unattainable. You will not be able to achieve it, and we will not hand over our weapons.

In contrast, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun insists on keeping Lebanese and Iranian tracks separate. He has declared, "Under no circumstances will I allow anyone to negotiate on Lebanon’s behalf," asserting that Lebanon has secured Israeli recognition of no territorial ambitions. Aoun also stated, "The state’s train has left the station, and the decision to establish a state monopoly on weapons will be implemented."

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Under no circumstances will I allow anyone to negotiate on Lebanon’s behalf.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued their activities in southern Lebanon. Reports indicate the demolition of homes, firing toward houses, and explosions. The Israeli military stated that during a recent two-month deployment, its troops killed over 80 Hezbollah members and destroyed more than 200 sites, including underground routes and weapons depots, vowing not to allow Hezbollah to rebuild.

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The state’s train has left the station, and the decision to establish a state monopoly on weapons will be implemented.