Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation to discuss the recently signed Washington-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Trump congratulated Aoun on the signing, describing it as a vital step toward restoring security and stability in the region, according to a post on X by the Lebanese Presidency.
Key Points of the Call
President Aoun stated that Trump reaffirmed his administration's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the extension of state authority across all Lebanese lands through its national armed forces. Trump also pledged to contribute to the recovery of the Lebanese economy and bolster the country's legitimate security institutions.
Aoun expressed gratitude for the American supportive stance toward Lebanon's constitutional institutions and security apparatus, specifically the army. He formally committed the Lebanese state to carrying out its responsibilities regarding the framework agreement.
Details from the Lebanese Presidency Statement
According to the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun voiced hope that the United States would contribute to preventing any breach of this agreement and ensure compliance with all commitments agreed upon, especially by pressuring Israel to withdraw from the lands it occupies in the south to facilitate the army's deployment to the international borders. The call concluded with Trump indicating an upcoming meeting with Aoun in Washington.
The statement added: "President Trump affirmed that the United States wishes the Lebanese people well and progress, and will spare no effort to support Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, the integrity of its territories, the extension of the state's authority through its armed forces across all Lebanese lands, the cessation of any threat to Lebanon's stability, and support for the positions of the President of the Republic and the government's decisions."
Background of the Framework Agreement
The diplomatic conversation follows the formal signing of the trilateral framework agreement by the United States, Israel, and Lebanon on Friday. The accord, concluded after several days of intense deliberations in Washington, represents a major breakthrough aimed at ceasing hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, though officials from both sides termed it merely an initial step towards a wider settlement. While the structural framework establishes a roadmap towards a future peace agreement, specific details have been kept confidential.
