Pres. Aoun accuses Iran of using Lebanon as bargaining chip, insists on Israel talks despite being branded ‘traitor’ by Hezbollah

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun is insisting on continuing negotiations with Israel, despite heavy pressure from the Iranian regime and its proxy Hezbollah, which has disregarded the ceasefire agreement and continued to fire at Israel, triggering a short exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.

Speaking to CNN, Aoun strongly rebuked the Iranian regime for its demand to connect the ceasefires in Lebanon and Iran, accusing it of using his country as a bargaining chip in some of the strongest criticism of the regime that effectively controls swathes of Lebanon through Hezbollah.

“It’s not your country, it’s our country,” Aoun charged, “it’s not your job to interfere in our country… Hezbollah must understand that [there is] no other way but to sit and talk.”

Wow. #Lebanon’s President not mincing words, slamming #Iran’s regime, and rightfully saying “this is not your country.” His predecessor Michel Aoun used to praise the Islamic Republic regularly. The tone has certainly changed. pic.twitter.com/J8DPNvFZ8B

— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 5, 2026

“You are not trying to help us … the people of Lebanon are paying the price … for the sake of your own interest,” he said, “our interests … do not coincide with your interests.”

Hezbollah has vehemently opposed any official contacts with Israel, and its affiliated media outlets have launched a propaganda campaign branding Aoun, who is a Maronite Christian, as a traitor.

Never forget, never forgive the traitors pic.twitter.com/Vk7NF6OhYl

— Alfonso Castro (@AlfonsoCas11689) June 1, 2026

The newspaper Al-Akhbar, aligned with Hezbollah and the Iranian axis, has characterized negotiations with Israel as “surrender,” while its supporters have circulated online hashtags like “Aoun is a traitor,” as well as cartoons showing him shaking hands with a blood-stained Israeli hand. Hezbollah has assassinated numerous internal critics and enemies in the past.

Nevertheless, Aoun affirmed that “We are ready, we are willing, we are committed (to negotiations to end the war).”

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun says Beirut is negotiating with Israel a non-aggression agreement, while adding that he will not meet Netanyahu before reaching an agreement to end the war.

In an interview with CNN, Aoun accuses Hezbollah of hiding among the civilian population… https://t.co/BN4A12vcM2

— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) June 8, 2026

Addressing Israel, he said, “If you are not, you will never live in peace, safety and security,” emphasizing the opportunity for both people to achieve security.

“They are both fed up with war since 1948,” he added. “This is a huge opportunity. They both have to choose: war or… diplomacy.”

However, Aoun said that he wasn’t pursuing a full peace agreement, rather stating that “what is on the table is a non-aggression agreement or a security agreement or something else, but as for a peace agreement, we are part of the Arab initiative and committed to it.”

If not Hezbollah and Iran's support, there wouldn't be any name of Lebanon decades ago.
It's Israel he should have addressed by these rubish; but doesn't dare. pic.twitter.com/Tn6jZQHVOg

— Fresh Air (@air_fresh86041) June 7, 2026

This refers to the Saudi-sponsored 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which envisions normalizing Israel’s ties with the Arab world but only once it agrees to a two-state solution.

Aoun also reiterated his opposition to meeting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before an agreement is reached, while warning that the Israeli military is pursuing a “futile war.”

Joseph Aoun
The disgraced slave of Israel pic.twitter.com/gp86M3JutB

— Wei Yan (@modernwei) June 8, 2026

“They can flatten the whole country, but they will never be able to achieve their objective.”

“Hezbollah is an idea,” he argued, “It's not an objective that you can see. It's not a geographic objective. It's a war among the people. The battlefield is the people. They are hiding among the people. So how do you measure your success? You count bodies?“

Here, I fixed it for you, you crook. https://t.co/aVfs4tgyMs pic.twitter.com/ZEMiAZ3bmk

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 7, 2026

“We need to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel. Forever. And this (pact) could be a path forward for a just and lasting peace,” Aoun concluded.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later hit back at Aoun for his statements, claiming, “Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago. Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President,” in a reference to Israel, later adding a picture of the Lebanese and Iranian flags.