Mikati openly rejects Iranian guardianship

In an unprecedented move, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati openly rejected the stance of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who said Tehran is ready to negotiate with France over implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, considering it “a blatant interference in Lebanese affairs and an attempt to impose an unacceptable guardianship on Lebanon.”

In a related context, Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea reiterated his refusal to accept Hezbollah’s state within a state after the war. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he said, “The concept of a mini-state represented by Hezbollah’s actions has brought Lebanon to the current situation,” warning that “we are heading towards more death and disaster.”

Geagea expressed no fear of Hezbollah turning inward after the war, saying: “It is not an option to return to the pre-war situation in Lebanon, no matter how the war ends. We have seen where this has led us, and we cannot allow it to continue.”

In a related development, U.S. President Joe Biden said that there is a possibility of working towards a ceasefire in Lebanon, though it will be “more difficult” in Gaza. Biden told reporters during a visit to Berlin that he knows how and when Israel will respond to missile attacks launched by Iran but refrained from giving details.