Araghchi: Iran does not consider Lebanon 'bargaining chip' in negotiations with United States

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun"s statement that Lebanon is being used as a "bargaining chip" by Tehran in negotiations with the United States.

"If Lebanon were our bargaining chip in relations with the United States, we would have reached a deal long ago," Araghchi said in a post on X, cited by Report.

He also expressed confusion over Aoun"s position regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In particular, he referred to the Israel Defense Forces" (IDF) ground operation against the radical group Hezbollah on Lebanese territory.

"It might seem as if Iran has occupied one-fifth of Lebanon, caused the displacement of a quarter of the country"s population, and carries out daily attacks," he said.

Earlier, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun sharply criticized Iran, accusing it of using Lebanon as a tool in negotiations with the United States and saying that the country"s citizens are forced to pay the price for Tehran"s regional interests.