Lebanon’s president told CNN Iran is using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in
disputes with the US and Israel and vowed to save the country “at all costs,”
saying Lebanese are “tired” of the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, described in the interview as a well-armed, Iran-backed proxy with
strong domestic support, frames itself as defender of southern Lebanon and the
Palestinian people. Iran’s foreign minister dismissed the remarks, saying Aoun’s
comments imply Iran “occupies one-fifth of Lebanon, has displaced one-quarter of
Lebanese and bombs Lebanon every day,” adding “if Lebanon were Iran’s bargaining
chip, we would have already made a deal. President, please save Lebanon from
your real enemy.”
