Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, to discuss Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah and strengthen State authority across the country. The meeting took place amid public warnings by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack that Lebanon had failed to act on Hezbollah’s weapons, saying that group was rebuilding its capabilities and receiving millions of dollars.

The talks, also attended by Barrack and Deputy U.S. Envoy Morgan Ortagus, were  “excellent,” American sources told Nidaa Al-Watan newspaper.

Lebanese officials said Rubio’s tone contrasted sharply with Barrack’s public statements, noting that the U.S. Secretary listened carefully to Aoun’s points and expressed appreciation for the Lebanese government’s efforts to implement the disarmament decision.

Rubio asked for a detailed explanation of the Lebanese army’s plan to enforce the government’s August 5 decision to disarm Hezbollah. Aoun presented the plan in full, assuring that the State would not back down on its decision and that the army requires logistical and material support to execute it. Rubio indicated that U.S. military aid and equipment would be provided.

Lebanese sources said Rubio made it clear that U.S. support for the army would not be directly tied to Hezbollah’s disarmament, unlike reconstruction projects and foreign investment. However, aid will be delivered in stages, dependent on the army’s progress: support will continue as the plan advances and may be paused if it stalls.

Aoun also requested that the United States pressure Israel to facilitate  implementation of the army's plan, which would provide Lebanon with leverage to compel Hezbollah to disarm. Measures discussed included a cessation of hostilities and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied positions in southern Lebanon. Rubio reportedly expressed readiness to assist and concluded the meeting with assurances of continued support.