Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council convened an urgent meeting at Baabda Palace on Sunday to address the latest regional developments, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The session, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, brought together Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, key ministers, and senior military, security, judicial, and customs officials.

In a statement released after the meeting, the council stressed the serious implications of the recent escalation. President Aoun opened the session with a briefing on the unfolding regional events, highlighting Khamenei’s death, which has sent shockwaves across the Middle East. He extended Lebanon’s condolences to all nations affected and expressed solidarity with Arab states, condemning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Aoun reaffirmed the national consensus that the Lebanese state alone holds the authority to make decisions on matters of war and peace, stressing that such decisions must be made exclusively through the country’s constitutional institutions. He noted that this principle has been upheld throughout his presidency, including in his inaugural address and the government’s policy statement.

Prime Minister Salam emphasized the need to place the interests of the Lebanese people above all else. He called for stringent security measures in southern and eastern Lebanon to prevent any destabilization and highlighted government monitoring of prices and supplies of essential goods, including food and fuel, amid heightened regional tensions.

Salam added that contingency plans were already in place, following meetings the previous day with key ministries and agencies, including the Disaster Management Committee and the Higher Relief Commission, to ensure the country is prepared for any further escalation.

The council addressed the Lebanese public directly, urging both officials and citizens to uphold their national responsibilities during this critical period. It stressed that military, economic, and social stability must be maintained across all sectors of society and commended the Lebanese people for their discipline and resilience in the face of crisis, underscoring the country’s commitment to national unity.

The council also reassured the public that the state has sufficient resources and plans to meet citizens’ basic needs, including food, medical supplies, energy, transportation, and communications. It directed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to maintain the operation of Lebanese airspace, prioritizing traveler safety and keeping the public informed of any developments.

Given Lebanon’s large diaspora in the Gulf, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with staying in close contact with Lebanese embassies and consulates to safeguard expatriates.

The council concluded by pledging to keep its sessions open to monitor developments closely and make further decisions as the security and military situation evolves. All council decisions will remain confidential, in accordance with Lebanese law.