President Aoun welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, calls for inclusion of Lebanon

President Joseph Aoun welcomed the announcement of a 15-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, praising the efforts of all parties who contributed to reaching the agreement, particularly the roles of Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.

He expressed hope that the announcement would serve as a first step toward a final, comprehensive agreement that addresses the various issues threatening regional stability, emphasizing that such agreements must respect each country's sovereignty.

“The path to resolving disputes between states is not through violence. The goal of governments and regimes should be to secure the well-being of their people in a free and dignified life, not to expose them to senseless and gratuitous death,” Aoun said.

The president also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to regional peace, stressing that any agreement must include Lebanon and uphold the principles long agreed upon by its citizens: full sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, liberation from any occupying forces, and exclusive authority over matters of war, peace, and legitimate use of force resting solely with the country’s constitutional institutions.

Aoun underlined that it is Lebanon’s sole responsibility to negotiate in pursuit of the nation’s general interest.