U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, gave Lebanese officials a timeframe of between one and three weeks for the Lebanese authorities to take clear and concrete steps that demonstrate Lebanon’s good faith regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah, Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper reported on Saturday.

Despite the positive tone reported by Lebanese sources following Ortagus' meetings with Lebanese officials, the American envoy's private discussions were marked by direct and unambiguous language.

 “She certainly didn’t come here to flatter us,” one participant in the talks told Nidaa Al-Watan.

Ortagus, who met with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, reportedly expressed Washington’s growing frustration with what she described as Lebanon’s slow and hesitant implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Israel—particularly concerning the disarmament of Hezbollah.

“She was clear and direct,” a source familiar with the meetings told Nidaa Al-Watan. “The U.S. sees a slowdown on the Lebanese side, particularly in removing Hezbollah’s weapons, and the only constant is the need for the state to assert its control over all of Lebanon.”

According to sources familiar with the meetings, Ortagus told Lebanese officials that the U.S. administration sees no alternative to extending the full authority of the Lebanese State across all of its territory. She criticized the lack of progress on the ground and questioned the government’s will to follow through.

“We feel there is a slowdown or reluctance in implementing the disarmament provision across Lebanese territory,” Ortagus was quoted as telling Lebanese officials. “We know the intentions may be there, but so far we’ve seen no serious action to prove them.”

Ortagus made it clear that the steps expected from Lebanon are not impossible and can be implemented by the army. Among her top demands was for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of all border crossings, including those with Syria — long known for smuggling operations and non-state activity.

She pressed Lebanese officials further: “Why the procrastination?; We need to see action, not words.”

Sources say Ortagus was not convinced by the explanations she heard and appeared concerned that some Lebanese leaders were banking on a potential thaw in U.S.-Iran relations to shift the regional balance. But she dismissed those hopes, warning that any potential U.S.-Iran deal would take months to finalize and that Lebanon cannot afford to wait.

“Lebanon has a unique chance today — with a new presidential term and a new government — to rid itself of Hezbollah’s weapons,” she said, according to participants in the meeting. “But this opportunity won’t last long. It’s a matter of weeks, not months. Don’t count on time. If you delay, you’ll lose this chance — and Lebanon will pay the price.”

On the economic front, Ortagus drew a direct link between international aid and Hezbollah’s disarmament.

“There will be no reconstruction and no financial support as long as weapons remain,” she reportedly told Lebanese officials. “Don’t expect money if the weapons stay.” She emphasized that this was not just the position of the United States, but also that of several Western and Arab countries.

On the issue of land border demarcation with Israel — a long-standing point of contention — Ortagus reportedly asked, “What is preventing the border demarcation?”

On the issue of land border demarcation with Israel, Ortagus asked officials why progress had stalled. While no official rejected the idea of land demarcation, the Lebanese side proposed forming a single technical committee—similar to the one used during maritime negotiations led by former envoy Amos Hochstein—instead of multiple committees.

Though Ortagus is expected to leave Beirut within hours, her visit left little doubt that U.S. patience is running thin. Sources said her message was clear: Lebanon can either act swiftly and responsibly or risk forfeiting both regional support and a rare chance for reform.

“The world is watching,” one source said, noting the country’s long history of missed chances.

“Let’s hope this time is different," the source added.