The Lebanese president accuses Iran of using Lebanon as leverage in its negotiations with Washington

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Iran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its talks with the United States, in one of his most direct criticisms of Tehran since coming to power.

In an interview with CNN, the head of state said that the Lebanese were paying the price for Iranian interests in the region and denounced a situation that he considers to have become unbearable for the population.

"They are using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with the United States. This is unacceptable," said Joseph Aoun, according to excerpts of the interview published by the American channel.

These statements come as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has continued for more than three months. The Lebanese Shiite movement, backed by Iran, opened a new front against Israel in solidarity with Tehran after the launch of US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran at the end of February.

Former Lebanese army commander Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, has repeatedly called for de-escalation since his election to the presidency. He notably advocates for a gradual and peaceful disarmament of Hezbollah in order to strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state.

The president also showed support for direct talks with Israel at the beginning of the conflict, a position that put him at odds with Hezbollah and its political allies.

Iran, for its part, considers a ceasefire in Lebanon to be an essential condition for any peace agreement with the United States within the framework of negotiations aimed at ending the regional crisis.

Joseph Aoun's remarks illustrate the deep political and sectarian divisions that run through Lebanon, where part of the population is increasingly openly criticizing Iranian influence and Hezbollah's role in regional conflicts.

While diplomatic efforts continue to try to end hostilities, the Lebanese president's statements risk exacerbating tensions between Beirut, Hezbollah and Tehran, in a context already marked by strong security and political instability.