President Joseph Aoun delivered a clear message to Iran, stating that Tehran must not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs and emphasizing that the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons is a domestic matter to be decided solely by Lebanese institutions.

In an interview with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels, Aoun emphasized that while he considers Iran a "friendly country," its relationship with Lebanon must be based on mutual respect and the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Aoun revealed that he told Ali Larijani, Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, during his visit to Beirut last week that relations between Lebanon and Iran should be “based on respect,” reiterating that Lebanon does not interfere in the affairs of other countries and expects the same in return.

“Our message is clear, which is that Iran does not interfere in our affairs.” He added that Tehran “must be a friend to all components of Lebanese society and not to one group.”

The president was unequivocal on Hezbollah’s arsenal, describing it as an “internal matter” to be handled solely by Lebanon’s constitutional institutions. He noted that the Taif Accord and subsequent government policy statements have consistently affirmed the principle of restricting weapons to the State. He emphasized that this position is not influenced by external pressure but reflects a fundamental tenet of national sovereignty.

Aoun also shed light on the U.S. proposal, put forth by Envoy Tom Barrack, describing it as a roadmap for implementing last November’s ceasefire agreement. He explained that Lebanon had reviewed the document, adding its own observations to transform it into a Lebanon-made paper. The document's key points, he said, include an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the release of Lebanese prisoners, border demarcation, reconstruction, economic revival, and demarcation of Lebanon’s boundary with Syria.

Aoun stated that the document would not be effective without the approval of Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, and emphasized a “step-for-step” approach, meaning no measure would be implemented without a corresponding move from the other side.

“I had two options: either I approve the paper and tell the world that I have done my duty and you must now do your duty in getting Israel’s approval for it, or I do not approve, and then Israel will escalate its attacks, and Lebanon will become economically isolated,” Aoun said. “If anyone has a third option that can lead to an Israeli withdrawal, the release of prisoners, border demarcation, and economic revival, let them present it.”

He added that no threats were made by the U.S., but rather a clear message that Lebanon's issues would no longer be a priority for Washington if the proposal was rejected.

“What the Americans said is: if you want to implement the roadmap, you are welcome; if not, Lebanon will no longer be in our sphere of interest,” he said.

On domestic politics, Aoun described his relationship with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as “more than excellent” and said he was open to discussing any issue within the State's framework. He dismissed speculation about shifting Lebanon into a new regional alignment, saying: “My concern is not alliances but for Lebanon to rebound, break its isolation, and achieve security, prosperity, and stability.”

He stressed that he has no personal political ambitions or a party to serve, but is focused solely on building a strong State and ending the occupation in the south. 

Aoun welcomed assistance from any country, provided it does not involve interference in local affairs. He specifically thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts in helping Lebanon end the presidential vacuum and praised its role in facilitating coordination with Syria. The president expressed a desire to improve relations with Damascus and demarcate the borders, noting that positive signals had been received from the Syrian side regarding the U.S. proposal. He dismissed fears among some Lebanese sects, stating that the Lebanese army is fortified and that sectarian divisions are often exaggerated for political gain, especially during election periods.

"The Shiite community is a fundamental and active component in our country... There is no fear for any sect," he affirmed.

Turning to Lebanon’s economic crisis, Aoun said reforms were underway. He cited the passage of the banking secrecy law, the appointment of a new central bank governor and oversight committee, municipal elections, and judicial appointments as key achievements.

Aoun promised depositors that their funds would be returned, expressing confidence that the country, while plundered, is not bankrupt.

“Our country is on the path towards economic prosperity through the reforms we are implementing,” he said. “No one is above the law. The judiciary is working diligently to fight corruption.”

Aoun insisted Lebanon was “not a bankrupt State but a stolen State,” blaming corruption and lack of accountability for the crisis.

“Lebanon has huge potential, and it was plundered. Accountability will be applied to everyone, starting with me,” he declared.

Regarding the broader regional context, Aoun affirmed Lebanon's commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. He praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to bring peace to the region and stated that Lebanon would board the "peace train" in accordance with said initiative. 

The Arab Peace Initiative, first proposed by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League in 2002, offers Israel full normalization of ties with Arab states in exchange for a complete withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and a just resolution to the Palestinian refugee crisis.

The Lebanese president also dismissed reports of direct dialogue with Israel, stating that all communication is through third parties.

Aoun rejected any proposal to naturalize Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, even in exchange for debt relief or financial incentives.

“This is completely rejected by us,” he said.

He said disarmament of Palestinian camps had been delayed due to Israeli strikes on Iran and internal Palestinian considerations, affirming that the decision remains in place.

The president pledged to rebuild trust with both the Lebanese people and the international community.

“It is not easy to change 40 years overnight, but the change has begun and it is tangible,” he said.

He urged Arab states to invest in Lebanon rather than simply provide aid.

“I do not want grants; I want investments. Come and invest in Lebanon, your second country,” Aoun said in a direct appeal. “Lebanon has begun to return to what the Arab world expects of it.”

In a final message to the Lebanese people, Aoun acknowledged their fatigue but asked for patience, stressing that fundamental change has begun and that Lebanon is on its way to reclaiming its historical role as the “gateway of the Arabs.”