Iran's foreign minister says Lebanon not a bargaining chip in war

DUBAI: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Saturday rejected remarks by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Lebanon was a bargaining chip for Tehran.

Aoun said on Friday that Iran was using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States and that Lebanese people were paying the price for Iran’s interests.

“Had Lebanon been bargaining chip for Iran, we’d have a deal long ago,” Araqchi posted on X. “Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President.”