Kataeb political bureau member and former Minister Alain Hakim called for a fundamental reset in Lebanon’s regional posture, saying any move toward direct negotiations requires first “removing Iran from the Lebanese equation” and fully restoring the Lebanese State’s sovereign authority over defense and decision-making.

In remarks to This Is Lebanon, Hakim said that Lebanon’s ability to engage in meaningful negotiations cannot be separated from what he described as Iran’s influence in the country through Hezbollah and allied networks.

Hakim said the starting point for any diplomatic process would be the exclusion of Iran from Lebanon’s internal affairs, arguing that its role has undermined State institutions and national decision-making.

He said the second prerequisite is the restoration of the Lebanese State’s exclusive sovereign right to defend its territory and citizens, without parallel military structures or external influence.

Hakim stressed that this right is already guaranteed under the Lebanese constitution and must be exercised solely by the State.

He added that this authority falls under the presidency, referring specifically to President Joseph Aoun, whom he described as the constitutional figure responsible for representing Lebanon’s sovereignty and defending its rights in any potential negotiations.

Hakim framed the issue as a return to full State control over war and peace decisions, saying Lebanon cannot enter negotiations while sovereignty remains, in his words, divided or compromised.

He argued that only a unified State authority — not parallel armed actors — can define Lebanon’s position in any regional talks or agreements.