Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun after Aoun made comments suggesting Lebanon was being used as leverage. Araghchi issued a sharp response, stating, "If Lebanon were a bargaining chip for Iran, we would have reached a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real enemy, Mr President." Baqaei remarked, "He sells out the one standing by his side and buys the one standing against him. He abandons those who supported him and backs those who put him in hardship." Aoun had previously asserted, "The Lebanese people are paying the price for your interests. Our interests do not align with yours," adding, "this is not your country, it is ours."
Iran's Rebuttal to Aoun
Abbas Araqchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated, "Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we would have reached a deal long ago." His remarks came as Lebanese officials initiated a project on Saturday to redevelop and reopen Qlayaat Airport in northern Lebanon. This initiative aims to expand the country's aviation infrastructure, as Lebanon currently operates only one civilian airport, Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Separately, a drone exploded near an area where IDF forces were operating in southern Lebanon, though no casualties were reported. The IDF stated that the incident is under investigation. Troops had identified a vehicle moving suspiciously toward forces near the village of Tebnit in southern Lebanon. The vehicle was reportedly traveling in an active combat zone that had been evacuated, and forces had also received warnings of gunfire in the vicinity. The IDF stated, "Following the identification, the intelligence warnings and the threat to forces, the vehicle was struck. This is a combat zone where movement requires coordination with the IDF."
Context of Regional Tensions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun claimed in a CNN interview that Iran was utilizing Lebanon as leverage in its negotiations with the United States. Aoun stated, "The Lebanese people are paying the price for your interests. Our interests do not align with yours," adding, "this is not your country, it is ours." He suggested this dynamic was at play "after reaching an agreement to end the war," and that "this was difficult negotiations until we reached a significant breakthrough." Meanwhile, reports indicated that Hezbollah operates extensively in the region, further contributing to the complex security landscape. Separately, Lebanon's military reported that an Israeli airstrike near Nabatieh killed two Lebanese army officers and a soldier when it struck their military vehicle on a road in the area.
Aoun's Stance and Iran's Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also rejected President Joseph Aoun’s allegations, stating, "Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President." Araqchi added, "Based on Mr. Aoun's comments, one would think it is Iran that has occupied one-fifth of Lebanon, displaced one-quarter of the Lebanese people, and is bombing his country on a daily basis." He reiterated that "Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we would have reached a deal long ago."
Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri aligned himself with Iran’s position, saying, "The withdrawal of Hezbollah from south of the Litani River should be in parallel with Israel’s withdrawal from the areas it has occupied." These statements were published in an article on June 06, 2026.
