Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, commenting on the recent escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel, stated that Lebanon is a sovereign state and does not need Iranian tutelage.

According to Aoun, Lebanon welcomes the support of friendly countries in the region, but considers unacceptable actions that are dictated by the interests of other countries and do not correspond to the interests of the Lebanese people. He said that Lebanon has made a choice in favor of negotiations and is not interested in continuing the conflict.

Also, the president noted that the Lebanese are capable of independently restoring and strengthening their state, without external patronage.

Earlier, Aoun had already called on Tehran not to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, stating that his country should not become a tool in negotiations between Iran and the US. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied such accusations, and claimed that the main threat to Lebanon remains Israel.