Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to visit the United States on July 21 for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
According to a White House official, Aoun will be visiting at the invitation of the White House. The Lebanese embassy in Washington also confirmed Aoun's travel plans. In a statement, the embassy noted, "This invitation reflects the ongoing partnership between Lebanon and the United States," adding that the two leaders will discuss mutual interests, including bilateral relations, regional security, and the U.S. support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and institutions.
The talks between the U.S. and Lebanon are expected to focus on issues such as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the situation in southern Lebanon, and U.S. assistance to Lebanon.
Hezbollah, which operates from southern Lebanon, has been a key variable in the ongoing war and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Iran. Iran has asserted that Israel should not attack Hezbollah's military assets or targets within Lebanon, while the U.S. acknowledges Israel's right to self-defense but continues diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation in Lebanon.
Last month, the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that included a commitment to cease hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, Israel has maintained that it is not a direct party to this agreement and continues military pressure on southern Lebanon under the pretext of countering the Hezbollah threat.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced that the next talks with Lebanon are scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy. The two sides plan to continue discussions based on a preliminary agreement reached with U.S. support.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.