President Joseph Aoun welcomed the announcement of a 15-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, praising the efforts of all parties involved in reaching the agreement, particularly Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.

Aoun expressed hope that the truce would serve as “a first step toward a final and comprehensive agreement addressing the various issues that fuel tensions in the region, while preserving the sovereignty of each state.” He stressed that violence is not an effective way to resolve disputes between nations and said governments should prioritize ensuring their people a life of freedom and dignity rather than leading them into “senseless and gratuitous death.”

The president affirmed that Lebanon would continue its efforts to ensure that regional stability includes the country in a lasting and sustainable manner. He underscored principles agreed upon by the Lebanese: full sovereignty over all national territory, liberation from any occupying forces, and the exclusive authority of state institutions over decisions of war and peace and the legitimate use of force.

“This constitutes the sole responsibility of the Lebanese state in any negotiations aimed at achieving the country’s national interest," read a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat that Lebanon is formally included in the ceasefire with Iran but noted that Israeli forces have so far adhered to it across the country except in southern Lebanon, which he described as a violation of the agreement. Berri said the deal clearly includes Lebanon and must be respected. He added that he has contacted Pakistani officials to inform them of Israel’s noncompliance and requested that they pressure the United States to intervene. Berri said he remains in contact with multiple parties involved in the issue and stressed that Lebanon’s inclusion in the truce has been repeatedly confirmed, although Israel may seek to “undermine the agreement as the party most adversely affected by it.”

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed Aoun’s stance, saying that “no one negotiates on behalf of Lebanon except the Lebanese State” and emphasizing that “there can be no real State without full sovereignty over all its territory.” In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Salam said Lebanon is enduring “one of the most difficult phases in its modern history,” as it faces the aftermath of a destructive war while attempting to navigate a financial and economic crisis that began in 2017 and remains unresolved.

“We are at a critical stage, and preserving stability requires a clear vision and decisive action,” he said, adding that the challenges are significant but manageable if national interests are prioritized and state institutions are strengthened.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued military strikes in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said the truce does not cover Lebanon, contrary to earlier statements from Pakistani mediators. 

A senior Lebanese official told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that President Aoun is actively pursuing contacts to ensure Lebanon’s inclusion in the truce.

“We have not yet received a clear position regarding Lebanon’s status in the ceasefire agreement,” the official said on condition of anonymity. “Contacts are ongoing at various levels, and President Aoun is leading efforts to ensure Lebanon is included.”

The official noted that conflicting information continues to circulate, citing Israel’s assertion that Lebanon is excluded, and added that no specific statement on Lebanon’s status has yet been issued by the United States.

The U.S.–Iran truce, announced Wednesday, is intended to pave the way for a broader, final agreement following a conflict that began on February 28 and has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries.