Rubio Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Secure Ceasefire in Lebanon

(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington's commitment to securing a ceasefire in Lebanon during a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese presidency announced Thursday — as diplomatic momentum builds following the first direct Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in decades.

In a readout issued by Aoun's office, the Lebanese president expressed gratitude to the United States for its brokering efforts and broader support. Rubio pledged that Washington would sustain its diplomatic engagement, framing a ceasefire as an essential first step toward restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across Lebanon.

He also conveyed his personal support and appreciation for Aoun's stated positions, according to the statement.

The call follows a landmark declaration by President Donald Trump, who wrote Wednesday on his Truth Social platform that Washington is "trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon," adding: "It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow."

The diplomatic push gained further traction after US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations were held Tuesday at the State Department in Washington — a rare direct engagement between the two sides. Hezbollah, which was excluded from the meeting, has rejected the initiative outright.

Both delegations agreed in principle to launch direct peace negotiations, with the venue and timeline yet to be finalized. The talks come as Israel continues to occupy portions of southern Lebanon — some territories held for decades, others seized during the 2023–2024 conflict.

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