Washington will not allow Hezbollah to remain active in Lebanon, a senior US diplomat said.
– “Iran also wants Hizballah in business in Lebanon. We won’t allow that either,” US envoy for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said.
– In a post on X, Boulos added that durable peace requires sovereign governments, “not terrorist proxies,” to exercise full control over their territory.
– The Trump administration has been leading unprecedented direct talks between Lebanon and Israel for the last several months and US officials say that the next round in Rome next week will touch on potential security and peace agreements.
– Lebanese President Joseph Aoun became the first Lebanese head of state to visit the White House since 2009 last week.
– Boulos said the talks between Lebanon and Israel would contribute to peace. “Building on the historic Trilateral Framework, signed on June 26, we look forward to continued negotiations as we look to restore peace and stability in the region,” he said.