In his first interview since assuming office, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun outlined his vision for Lebanon’s future, emphasizing the restoration of the country’s sovereignty, its reform priorities, and its path forward in both regional and international relations. Aoun, whose tenure began amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political struggles, took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which aims to stabilize Lebanon and reinforce the Lebanese state's authority over all its territories.

"Lebanon is exhausted," Aoun said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat. "The Lebanese people are tired of others' wars being fought on its land. They deserve recovery, both economically and politically, and they are tired of political battles. This was the goal of my inaugural speech: to rebuild the State and address the people's suffering."

Aoun’s focus on rebuilding the State is clear in his commitment to limiting arms to the Lebanese state alone.

"Sovereignty means placing the decision of war and peace in the hands of the State, and monopolizing weapons," Aoun declared, underscoring the importance of restricting arms to the State as a core principle.

He stressed that the goal of a fully sovereign State, one where the army holds sole responsibility for national defense, is not a distant dream.

"If we want to build the State, nothing is difficult," he emphasized, adding that circumstances will dictate the timeline for achieving this goal.

This commitment aligns closely with the implementation of Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of all non-state actors in Lebanon. Aoun confirmed Lebanon’s ongoing adherence to this resolution, particularly in the south, where steps have already been taken to dismantle camps outside of the officially recognized “natural camps” and remove unauthorized weapons.

"We are committed to implementing UN Resolution 1701, and we have already started in the South, giving it priority," Aoun stated.

However, he also cautioned that achieving full implementation across all Lebanese territories would be a gradual process, dependent on the evolving circumstances in Lebanon.

"We seek speed but not haste," he clarified.

A key part of Aoun’s vision is the idea that Lebanon's military and security responsibilities must lie solely with the State, without the involvement of any other group or faction.

"It is not acceptable for anyone else to play this role," he remarked. "The State's duty is to protect the land and the people, and this cannot be left to non-state actors."

Aoun also noted that the State must have full control over national defense decisions, including the authority to determine when and how to enlist the people’s support in defending the country.

"The State must have the primary responsibility and the sole authority to make that decision," he stressed. 

While the president acknowledged the need for Lebanon’s defense strategy to evolve, he emphasized that it would be developed under the guidance of the State, and that no external actor would dictate the country’s military decisions.

"If military conflict becomes inevitable, it will be in the hands of the State. The decision must be made by the State," Aoun stated firmly, reiterating his belief that Lebanon should strive to resolve its conflicts through diplomatic efforts rather than military action. Yet, he also stressed that Lebanon must always prepare for the worst-case scenario.

The issue of arms and Hezbollah’s influence came into sharper focus when Aoun was asked directly about the role of non-state actors in Lebanon's security landscape.

"Are you committed to implementing Resolution 1701 across all Lebanese territories?" Aoun was asked. His response was unequivocal: "Across all Lebanese territories. In full accordance with what Resolution 1701 stipulates."

While Aoun affirmed the State's commitment to the resolution, he also noted that cooperation from all parties, including Hezbollah, would be necessary for its full implementation.

"In the South, cooperation is complete," he remarked, referring to the positive interactions with various factions in the region. He also cited recent comments by Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, who emphasized the importance of the State’s role in Lebanon's future. Qassem’s statements included a recognition of Lebanon as "the final homeland for all its citizens," a principle rooted in the preamble of Lebanon’s Constitution.

“We will participate in building a strong and just State,” Qassem had said, signaling a potential alignment with Aoun’s vision of state sovereignty.

Despite these signs of cooperation, Aoun was candid about the challenges ahead, noting that full implementation of Resolution 1701 would require continued diplomatic efforts.

"We are tired of war," he said, highlighting the importance of pursuing peace through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, especially with Israel. He also made it clear that if military conflict were to occur, it would be the State’s decision alone to engage in any form of resistance or defense.

Aoun’s interview also touched on Lebanon’s broader foreign policy goals, with particular attention to the country’s relationship with the United States and the ongoing reforms required to secure international support. While Lebanon faces pressure from international bodies, including the United States, to implement reforms and adhere to its international commitments, Aoun remains firm in his commitment to national consensus.

"We have not faced major pressure," he remarked, pointing to the importance of reforms, particularly those related to the economy and anti-corruption measures. "These are not pressures; they are requirements that help build the State," he said.

Finally, Aoun acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by the Lebanese people, particularly the deposit crisis and the pervasive issue of corruption.

"I vow not to compromise on depositors' funds," he declared, promising to tackle the financial crisis in coordination with economic bodies, banks, and the State. In addressing Lebanon’s systemic corruption, Aoun emphasized that combating corruption was his top priority, calling it a cultural issue that had plagued Lebanon for too long.

While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Aoun remains determined to restore Lebanon’s State institutions and ensure that the country’s future is shaped by the authority of its legitimate institutions, not outside factions.

President Aoun is set to travel to Saudi Arabia next week, where he plans to request the reactivation of a $3-billion military aid package that was suspended in 2016. He revealed that he would discuss the possibility of reinstating the grant, which was halted after Lebanon refrained from condemning attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.

Aoun, who served as the commander of Lebanon's army prior to his presidency, explained that his request would be for Saudi Arabia to consider reactivating the aid package that had initially been agreed upon. The military assistance was halted following diplomatic tensions in 2016, when Lebanon’s failure to speak out against attacks on Saudi diplomatic facilities in Tehran strained relations between the two nations.

Aoun acknowledged the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, where Saudi Arabia's strategic priorities have shifted significantly. The region has experienced dramatic developments in recent months, including Israel's strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah after a series of attacks by the group, as well as the December fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key ally of Hezbollah.

“I hope and I await from Saudi Arabia – and especially the Crown Prince – to correct the relationship in the interests of both countries,” Aoun said, emphasizing his desire for stronger economic and political ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

Aoun assured that Lebanon is determined to move forward with these necessary reforms. However, he expressed hope that reconstruction assistance would come in stages, allowing the country to rebuild critical infrastructure and offer displaced Lebanese citizens the opportunity to return to their homes, especially in the southern regions devastated by the conflict.