Lebanon says Israel ceasefire talks separate from Iran negotiations

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi stated on Tuesday that the direct ceasefire talks with Israel hosted by the United States constitute a “new track” entirely separate from negotiations concerning Iran. Writing on the US-based social media platform X, Raggi emphasized that “the Lebanese state alone holds the authority to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon,” describing the talks as an effort to reach a ceasefire while reinforcing “the principle of national sovereignty at the heart of Lebanese diplomacy.”

Separation of tracks reinforced

“Lebanon is seeking, through direct negotiations with Israel, to reach a ceasefire,” Raggi added, noting that the new diplomatic track has “in practice reinforced the separation between the Lebanese file and the Iranian track.” US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran talks could resume in Pakistan within two days before a short-term ceasefire expires next week. The Lebanon-Israel talks mark the first round of direct diplomatic negotiations between the two sides in more than 30 years, mediated by the US.

Aoun: Stability requires Israeli withdrawal

Lebanon is represented in Washington by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh, while Israel is represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended alongside other officials. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that the talks would mark “the beginning of ending the suffering of the Lebanese, especially in the south.” He stressed that stability in southern Lebanon cannot be restored as long as Israeli forces remain on Lebanese territory, adding that the only solution is the Lebanese army redeploying to internationally recognized borders without partnership from any other party.