'Araghchi: Lebanon not Iran bargaining chip'

 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected on Saturday Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's claim that Tehran is using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States.

"Had Lebanon been a bargaining chip for Iran, we'd have a deal long ago," Araghchi wrote on X. "Based on Mr. Aoun's comments, one would think it's Iran that has occupied 1/5 of Lebanon, displaced 1/4 of Lebanese and bombing his country on daily basis," he stated, adding: "Save Lebanon from your real foe, Mr. President."

The remarks came after Aoun told CNN that Iran was using Lebanon "as a bargaining chip" in talks with Washington and argued that the interests of Lebanon and Iran "do not coincide." The Lebanese president also said Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem does not represent the Lebanese people.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/Araghchi:-Lebanon-not-Iran-bargaining-chip/66452599