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3. Barrack-Ortagus Mission: Advancing Lebanese Sovereignty

On Tuesday, the US delegation led by envoys Thomas Barrack and Morgan Ortagus highlighted growing alignment between Washington and Lebanese authorities, working with international support toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty.

The collaboration was evident during a marathon day of meetings. Barrack and Ortagus, joined by Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lindsey Graham and Ambassador Lisa Johnson, met with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt, alongside MPs Taymour Joumblatt, Marwan Hamadeh and Wael Abou Faour.

Discussions have moved beyond rhetoric about strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty to tangible action. Barrack’s comment that “Lebanon is on the right track” reflects this progress. Lebanese leaders confirmed that on September 2, the army would present its plan for militia disarmament to the Cabinet – the first phase of a process scheduled to conclude by year’s end – in line with timelines set during the August 5 and 7 Cabinet sessions.

One More Year for UNIFIL

Both US and Lebanese authorities stress that the process is irreversible and will be paired with reciprocal measures from Israel under the US roadmap, including withdrawal from five border points, a gradual end to attacks and targeted assassinations, and phased release of Lebanese prisoners.

A first sign of goodwill came with Barrack’s announcement of a one-year extension for UNIFIL, whose mandate expires on August 31. Israel and the US had opposed renewal, citing UNIFIL’s shortcomings, while Lebanon insisted on maintaining the multinational force. Washington asserts that the Lebanese Army is capable of consolidating state authority nationwide, and the extra year will allow UNIFIL to gradually hand over responsibilities to national forces.

Beirut is open to the plan, especially if Hezbollah is disarmed and all provisions of the November 27, 2024 ceasefire and the US roadmap are fully implemented. This would protect Lebanon from military confrontations involving the Iran-backed group. Barrack also envisions Lebanon pursuing direct talks with Tel Aviv, akin to the ongoing Syria-Israel negotiations.

Support for the Army

At the Grand Serail, Salam stressed the urgent need to expand military and financial support for the Lebanese Army to fully carry out its missions. He emphasized that such backing is essential for security and stability across the country, particularly along the Syrian border. Discussions also touched on relations with Syria’s new administration.

The US delegation reassured Lebanese officials, conveying positive messages from President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who expressed his desire to maintain strong ties with Lebanon and will send an official delegation to Beirut on Thursday to discuss areas of mutual interest.

The Iranian-Hezbollah Factor

Iran and Hezbollah remain the main obstacles to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty, given Tehran’s interference in national decisions and Hezbollah’s threats of civil conflict. However, on Tuesday, the issue was largely absent from official statements. Salam indirectly responded to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, reiterating that the disarmament process and restoration of state sovereignty are “a Lebanese imperative whose delay has cost the country significant opportunities.”

This measured silence conveys two messages: repeated Hezbollah threats no longer intimidate the state, and as the group attempts to assert itself as Lebanon’s primary decision-maker, Washington and Lebanese authorities are reminding it that it is one actor among many and must submit to state authority.

US Envoy Morgan Ortagus emphasized this point in an exclusive interview with This is Beirut, stating that Hezbollah “does not represent Lebanon or the Lebanese people but foreign forces, specifically Iran.” She added that “even Speaker Nabih Berri,” Hezbollah’s main ally, “supports the project to rebuild the state.”

When asked about Qassem’s latest speech, she called it “pathetic.” While Hezbollah did not respond, Iran’s embassy in Beirut criticized the US delegation on X, denouncing “American arrogance and despotism” as “pathetic,” and citing a “lack of courtesy from the US envoys.”

Iran’s reaction underscores Ortagus’s point: increasingly isolated in Lebanon and losing political influence, Hezbollah now relies almost entirely on Tehran for support.