Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has urged Iran to refrain from using southern Lebanon and its population as bargaining leverage in negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that civilians are suffering the consequences of a conflict that does not belong to them.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut’s Grand Serail, Salam addressed diplomats and representatives of international and UN organizations during the launch of a renewed emergency humanitarian appeal for those affected by the ongoing conflict with Israel.
His statement followed a joint US–Lebanon–Israel announcement outlining a tentative ceasefire framework pending final approval after several rounds of talks in Washington. The development came amid continued diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had earlier stated that Iran’s approval of any ceasefire depends on a broader halt across all fronts, including Lebanon. In response, Salam said Lebanon had already achieved progress toward a ceasefire through state diplomacy, Arab support, and US engagement, while criticizing the IRGC for rejecting the arrangement.
He stressed that Lebanon is not a battlefield for external agendas, declaring that the country will not serve as a platform for proxy conflicts or political messaging. According to him, southern Lebanon should not be treated as a strategic asset in foreign negotiations.
Salam further stated that residents of the south continue to suffer due to decisions made outside Lebanon, describing the situation as an imposed war rather than a domestic one.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place since mid-April, extended by Washington to allow continued negotiations. Despite this, tensions remain high as Israeli forces maintain positions in southern areas, including territories occupied in earlier decades and expanded during recent military operations.
Lebanese authorities report significant casualties since March, with thousands killed and injured amid ongoing hostilities.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE