Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has postponed a planned visit to Washington amid mounting domestic sensitivities and complex diplomatic considerations, according to media and diplomatic sources.

Lebanese broadcaster MTV reported Sunday that Salam had been advised against traveling to the United States at this stage, citing concerns that the trip could expose him to political risks at home. According to the report, one key concern was the possibility of a “political ambush,” including the spread of allegations that he had held a secret meeting with Israeli officials; claims that could undermine his standing in Lebanon.

The channel added that, had the visit gone ahead, Salam might also have faced a request from U.S. officials to meet with an Israeli representative. Such a scenario would have placed him in a difficult position: agreeing to the meeting could have triggered a political backlash in Beirut, while refusing might have carried broader security implications, including the risk of Israeli escalation.

Against this backdrop, and given Lebanon’s fragile internal situation, Salam opted to delay the trip.

A U.S. official, speaking to Al Jadeed, confirmed that the visit had not been canceled by Washington but was rather postponed at Salam’s own initiative due to domestic circumstances.

Arab diplomatic sources told the same outlet that Salam’s decision has been widely welcomed across the region, with officials expressing appreciation for his choice to prioritize Lebanon’s internal stability amid a highly sensitive period.

U.S. diplomatic sources also indicated that the American administration understands and respects Salam’s decision, acknowledging the domestic challenges facing Lebanon.