Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday voiced frustration with what he described as repeated international “condemnations,” calling for concrete steps to ensure Lebanon is included in ongoing regional ceasefire efforts.

Speaking at the start of a Cabinet session, Aoun said Lebanese officials had hoped the recently announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran would extend to Lebanon, but acknowledged that recent statements indicate otherwise.

“We’re past the point of statements of condemnation,” Aoun said. “We had hoped the ceasefire would include Lebanon, but clearly that hasn’t happened.”

He said he and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are in contact with several countries considered allies of Lebanon, urging them to push for Beirut to be given the same opportunity as Washington and Tehran to secure a ceasefire and move toward negotiations.

“We’re asking for Lebanon to be given the same chance to reach a ceasefire and enter negotiations,” Aoun said, adding that efforts are also focused on ensuring Lebanon is formally included in any future agreement.

Aoun stressed what he described as a fundamental principle: that only the Lebanese state has the authority to negotiate on its behalf.

“We are a sovereign state, and the state alone negotiates,” he said. “We will not accept anyone speaking or negotiating for us. We have the capability to do that ourselves, and that’s not up for discussion.”

The president also praised the response of state institutions following a wave of Israeli strikes a day earlier, highlighting what he described as a coordinated national effort to manage the aftermath.

“I want to commend the solidarity shown by the ministries and the level of coordination in responding to this attack,” Aoun said.

He pointed to wide-ranging efforts, including medical care, evacuations, emergency response, and debris removal, crediting key ministries — including health, social affairs, public works, and defense — as well as the Lebanese army, internal security forces, the fire brigade, civil defense teams, and the Red Cross.

Aoun noted that some responders were killed while carrying out their duties and acknowledged the support of international organizations and partner countries.

“They are standing with us and helping ease the suffering of our people,” he said.