Iranian FM Spokesman Slams Lebanese President's Accusations

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday for his recent remarks accusing Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States.

In a post on his X account, Baghaei wrote, "He [Aoun] sells the one who stands next to him and buys the one who stands against him. He abandons the one who supported him and supports the one who put him into trouble!"

The controversy began when Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in an interview with CNN, claimed that Iran was using Lebanon as leverage to pressure negotiations with the United States. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also took to his X account to reject the accusation.

Araghchi wrote, "Based on Mr. Aoun's comments, one would think it's Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis." He further stressed, "Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we'd have a deal long ago." The top Iranian diplomat emphasized, "Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President."

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and Lebanon's leadership, particularly amid the broader context of the Israeli war on Lebanon and Iran-US talks. According to Mehr News, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman's remarks underscore Tehran's rejection of any suggestion that it exploits Lebanon for its own strategic interests.