Lebanese President Accuses Iran of Using Lebanon as “Bargaining Chip” in US Talks

June 6, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States, intensifying political tensions amid the ongoing war involving Israel and Hezbollah.

Speaking in a CNN interview, Aoun said Lebanese citizens were “paying the price” for Iran’s interests and expressed frustration over what he described as widespread exhaustion among the population due to continued conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

His remarks represent some of his strongest criticism yet of Tehran and Hezbollah, Iran’s ally in Lebanon.

Aoun said Lebanon was being used as leverage in Iran’s negotiations with Washington, which have reportedly included demands linked to a potential ceasefire in Lebanon.

The Lebanese president’s comments followed the rejection of a ceasefire proposal by Hezbollah.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the proposed direct talks in Washington were rejected by what he described as “broad segments of the Lebanese people.”