Beirut: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday reiterated Washington’s commitment to Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty during a phone conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency.
The discussion focused on the current situation in Lebanon and broader developments across West Asia amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to preserve stability.
During the call, Rubio emphasized the United States’ continued support for Lebanon and its legitimate institutions, particularly the country’s security and military establishments. He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to helping Lebanon strengthen state authority across its entire territory and maintain national stability.
According to the Lebanese Presidency, Rubio stressed that the United States remains dedicated to supporting Lebanon’s efforts to achieve security and stability while reinforcing the role of its state institutions, especially the Lebanese Armed Forces.
President Aoun welcomed the continued American support and highlighted the urgent need to halt Israeli military operations on Lebanese territory through a comprehensive ceasefire. He described a ceasefire as a crucial step toward restoring calm and creating conditions for meaningful diplomatic progress.
Aoun also underscored the importance of the upcoming Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington next week. He said Lebanon views a comprehensive ceasefire as a fundamental prerequisite for advancing the talks and achieving their stated objectives.
According to the statement, the negotiations are aimed at strengthening Lebanon’s security and stability while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Aoun expressed hope that the diplomatic process would contribute to reducing tensions and promoting long-term peace in the region.
The conversation comes at a time of continued uncertainty along the Israel-Lebanon border, where international mediators have been working to prevent further escalation and encourage dialogue among the concerned parties.
The diplomatic engagement follows reports of a renewed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. According to CNN, citing multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, both sides have agreed to reinstate a ceasefire that came into effect at 9:00 a.m. local time.
Sources indicated that the agreement was brokered through mediation efforts led by the United States and Qatar. A diplomatic source also noted that Iran played a role in facilitating the arrangement alongside Washington and Doha.
The renewed ceasefire is being viewed as an important step toward de-escalating tensions and creating space for broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at preserving stability in the region.