A U.S. State Department spokesperson has warned that relying on Iran to disarm Hezbollah would preserve Tehran’s direct influence over Lebanon, while accusing the Iran-backed group of dragging the country into two devastating wars in Iran’s interests.

In remarks to Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan on Tuesday, the spokesperson said a proposed diplomatic framework involving Israel’s withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament offered a clear path forward, but rejected the idea that Iran could be entrusted with disarming the group.

“Relying on Iran to disarm Hezbollah would simply give Tehran a direct role in shaping Lebanon’s sovereignty,” the spokesperson said.

The comments came amid debate over the so-called “Islamabad track,” which the spokesperson said Hezbollah and its allies had viewed as a way to retain the group’s weapons while securing another Israeli withdrawal.

“Hezbollah and its allies apparently thought the so-called ‘Islamabad track’ could give the group cover to keep its arsenal while Israel withdrew again. That was never a realistic option,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson described the proposed three-part framework as an agreement between two sovereign states based on a clear sequence of reciprocal steps.

“Israel has already agreed to withdraw, provided Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army deploys in the designated pilot areas,” the spokesperson said.

The statement also included a sharp criticism of former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, accusing him of putting his own interests ahead of political principles, his supporters and Lebanon’s future.

“True to form, Walid Jumblatt will say and do whatever serves his own interests, with little regard for principles, his political base or the future of his country,” the spokesperson said.

The U.S. official also accused Hezbollah of drawing Lebanon into two wars to serve Iran’s interests, warning that the Lebanese people would continue to bear the consequences unless the group surrendered its weapons.

“Hezbollah has dragged Lebanon into two disastrous wars in Iran’s service. As long as it remains armed, it will do whatever its masters in Tehran tell it to do, and the Lebanese people will be left to pay the price,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson reiterated the position of U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, saying Washington was willing to engage with Hezbollah only through the Lebanese state and solely on the issue of disarmament.

“The United States is prepared to engage with Hezbollah only through the Lebanese state, and only on disarmament,” the spokesperson said.