Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said that Beirut is pursuing direct negotiations with Israel aimed at reaching a ceasefire, while stressing what he described as a growing separation between Lebanon’s diplomatic track and Iranian influence in the region.
In a post on X following a call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Raggi said Lebanon is seeking “through direct negotiations with Israel” to achieve a ceasefire agreement, adding that this approach has “in practice reinforced the separation between the Lebanese file and the Iranian track.”
The Lebanese foreign minister underlined that the state of Lebanon alone has the authority to represent the country in negotiations, describing it as a reaffirmation of national sovereignty in foreign policy decision-making.
His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic engagement involving international partners, including Germany, which he said expressed support for Lebanon’s efforts to assert sovereignty and stabilize the country.
Raggi’s comments place emphasis on what he portrayed as a distinct Lebanese negotiating channel, separate from regional actors such as Iran, which Beirut and several international stakeholders have long accused of exerting influence through Hezbollah.
He added that Lebanon’s diplomatic initiative is intended to consolidate state authority over negotiations and define a clearer national framework for ceasefire discussions.
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