Diplomatic tension between Lebanese President and Iranian Foreign Minister

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has publicly criticized Iran, accusing the country of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in nuclear and regional negotiations with the United States. During a CNN interview, Aoun urged Tehran to cease its interference in Lebanese internal affairs, arguing that the Lebanese people are suffering because of Iranian interests. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected these claims via social media, stating that Iran does not view Lebanon as a tool for negotiation. Araghchi countered that the blame for the current crisis lies with Israel, which he accused of occupying one-fifth of Lebanon and displacing one-quarter of its population. Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, through General Esmail Qaani, demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon to pre-conflict positions. The diplomatic friction occurs as efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remain stalled, with both sides trading blame for the ongoing regional instability.