Aoun tells Iran 'this is our country' as Araqchi warns of Lebanon's 'real enemy'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its confrontation with the United States and Israel. At the same time, Tehran rejected these allegations through its foreign minister, who said that if Lebanon really were a bargaining chip in Iran's hands, an agreement would have been reached a long time ago.

In an interview with the US network CNN, Aoun addressed Iran's Revolutionary Guard, saying: "It is not your country, it is our country".

He added, "You are not trying to help us. It is the Lebanese who are paying the price for your own interests, and our interests do not coincide with yours."

Aoun stressed that he is committed to doing whatever it takes to prevent Lebanon from sliding into further escalation, insisting that Lebanese people are fed up with the repeated wars between Israel and Hezbollah, which enjoys Iranian backing and wields considerable influence inside the country.

"We are tired and we want to live in peace," he said, adding that the Lebanese deserve to live with dignity, and do not deserve to see their homes destroyed every five or 10 years.

The Lebanese president announced that his country is ready for direct negotiations with Israel to secure a ceasefire, saying: "We are ready, willing and committed to negotiate. There is a major opportunity to end the state of war between [the] Lebanese and Israelis," noting that both sides have been tired of war since 1948.

Aoun said he had sensed a strong desire for peace among all components of Lebanese society, including the Shia community, as some had told him they were weary of repeated wars. In a firm tone, he added: "They are Lebanese, not followers of Naim Qassem."

Even so, the Lebanese president criticised Israel's military strategy against Hezbollah, arguing that the party's influence can only be ended through the state and after an Israeli withdrawal, and insisting that negotiation is the only solution. 'They can invade the country or destroy it completely, but they will not achieve their objective, because Hezbollah is an idea.'