Senior Lebanese officials described Saturday’s talks with visiting U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, as “positive” and “constructive,” as discussions focused on the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the ongoing Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, and long-overdue economic reforms.

President Joseph Aoun met with Ortagus at the presidential palace in Baabda, where they discussed the situation in south Lebanon, the work of the international monitoring committee overseeing the truce, and Israel’s partial withdrawal from Lebanese territory. A statement from the presidency characterized the talks as constructive and underlined the need for full Israeli compliance with ceasefire terms.

A presidential source told The National that Lebanon underscored the urgency of addressing the 13 unresolved border points with Israel, emphasizing that delays in settling these disputes are no longer acceptable.

Ortagus also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, both of whom also emphasized the positive tone of the discussions. Salam’s office noted the talks touched on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 which calls for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and UN peacekeepers to be the only armed entities in southern Lebanon and for all non-state armed groups to disarm.

Ortagus and Salam also discussed Lebanon's deployment of troops in areas vacated by the Israeli military and the importance of restoring State authority throughout the south.

In addition, Salam and Ortagus addressed the escalating tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border, where deadly clashes erupted last month. The prime minister stressed the need to prevent smuggling and other destabilizing activities. Hezbollah has long maintained influence in this border region, which lacks formal demarcation. In March, the Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers signed an agreement in Riyadh to improve security cooperation along the frontier.

The economic situation featured prominently in Ortagus' meetings with Lebanese leaders. President Aoun’s office said that discussions included the urgent need for financial and economic reforms to fight corruption and stabilize the economy. 

Sources told MTV channel that Ortagus emphasized during the meeting with Aoun the importance of disarming Hezbollah and implementing serious economic reforms, stating that both are prerequisites for restoring investor confidence and securing support for Lebanon’s reconstruction.

Salam’s office said that Ortagus underlined the need to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and acknowledged recent steps taken by the Lebanese government, including the appointment of a new central bank chief, amendments to the banking secrecy law, and early discussions on restructuring the banking system.

Moreover, Ortagus held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, with talks focusing on Israel’s continuing strikes on Lebanese territory and the broader issue of economic and administrative reform. 

The U.S. envoy also met with Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal at his office in Yarzeh. Discussions reportedly centered on the overall security situation in Lebanon and the wider region.