Iranian Regime Denies Using Lebanon as Bargaining Chip Despite Its Support For Hezbollah

06/06/2026

Iranian Regime Denies Using Lebanon as Bargaining Chip Despite Its Support For Hezbollah

TEHRAN, Jun 6: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed comments by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun alleging that Tehran is using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States.

President Aoun said on Friday that Iran was leveraging Lebanon in its discussions with Washington, adding that the Lebanese people were bearing the consequences of Tehran’s regional interests.

Responding on Saturday in a post on X, Araghchi rejected the accusation, writing: “Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago.” He further urged the Lebanese leadership to “save Lebanon from your real foe,” in a pointed rebuttal to Aoun’s remarks.

The exchange comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding indirect US-Iran discussions, where Lebanon has increasingly emerged as a sensitive regional issue. Iranian officials and hardline voices continue to argue that any potential understanding with Washington must address broader regional conflicts, including the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The latest remarks highlight deepening political friction between Tehran and Beirut as diplomatic tensions in the wider region continue to intensify.