Lebanese President Accuses Iran of Using Lebanon as Bargaining Chip, Iran Denies on June 6

According to CNN on June 6, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Iran of violating the Lebanese people's will by using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in conflicts with the U.S. and Israel. Aoun stated he would "spare no effort" to save his country from conflict, as Lebanese are tired of wars between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi countered that based on Aoun's remarks, people might think Iran occupies one-fifth of Lebanon's territory, displaces a quarter of its population, and bombs it daily—not the case. Araghchi stated: "If Lebanon were our bargaining chip, we would have reached an agreement already. Mr. President, save Lebanon from your real enemies."