Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon has no control over rising tensions between the United States and Iran but warned Hezbollah not to drag the country into another conflict, emphasizing that Lebanon cannot bear the cost of a new regional war.

Speaking to Nidaa Al-Watan amid escalating regional tensions, Salam addressed growing concerns in Lebanon over whether Hezbollah would remain neutral if fighting erupted between Washington and Tehran.

His comments came following reports that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had conveyed assurances from Hezbollah to senior state officials that the group would not enter a war in support of Iran if Tehran were attacked by the United States.

Salam welcomed such assurances if they were indeed given but expressed concern over what he described as conflicting signals. He pointed to public statements by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, who has explicitly said the group would not remain neutral if Iran were attacked.

“We have no control over the course of Iranian-American relations,” Salam said, acknowledging the limits of the Lebanese government’s authority in the face of broader geopolitical tensions.

At the same time, he issued a national appeal to Hezbollah, urging the group not to lead Lebanon into what he called another “adventure.”

“The Gaza venture came at a high cost for Lebanon,” Salam said. “We hope we are not dragged into a new adventure.”

On the issue of disarmament, Salam reaffirmed that the Cabinet remains committed to placing all arms under the exclusive authority of the State, describing it as a sovereign and irreversible decision. He said the government is moving forward without hesitation but noted that the pace of implementation north of the Litani River depends on several factors, including the outcome of an international conference in Paris next month aimed at supporting the Lebanese army. Salam expressed optimism about the conference, highlighting the backing of the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia and their interest in its success.

Turning to parliamentary elections, Salam said it remains uncertain whether they will be held on schedule or postponed. He emphasized that the government has completed all preparations within its authority, putting administrative and logistical arrangements on track.

However, he noted that two issues — the mechanism for the expat vote and the adoption of a magnetic voter card — require legislative clarification if elections are to proceed on time.

“The government is ready to conduct the elections as scheduled,” Salam said, stressing that Parliament is the only body constitutionally empowered to delay them.