US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, emphasized “Washington’s strong support for a Lebanon free of Iranian and Hezbollah influence.”
Rubio wrote on X early Tuesday, September 29, that as Lebanon works to implement the “tripartite framework,” US support for Lebanon is the only path toward lasting peace with Israel.
During the meeting, the US secretary of state emphasized the need for Lebanon to be free from Iranian and Hezbollah influence, which has been a major source of tensions and conflict between Lebanon and Israel in recent years.
However, Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has rejected any diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel and called for continued fighting until the complete defeat of Tel Aviv.
The tripartite framework agreement is intended to restore Lebanese sovereignty, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and place a state monopoly on weapons throughout the country.
