President Joseph Aoun, during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, on Sept. 22, 2025. (Credit: Lebanese presidency)
President Joseph Aoun, who met Monday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, asked Washington for increased support for the Lebanese Army, and for it to help ensure Israel respects the cease-fire agreement.
Rubio, for his part, reaffirmed American support for Lebanon and praised the authorities' efforts to apply reforms in the country.
According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, Aoun asked Rubio for U.S. assistance in ensuring Israel's compliance with the cease-fire, "especially since no violation of this agreement has been committed on the Lebanese side."
Under the cease-fire that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah on Nov. 27, 2024, the party was required to withdraw its forces and dismantle all military infrastructure south of the Litani.
Israel, on the other hand, was supposed to withdraw its troops from Lebanon but still occupies several border positions and strikes Lebanese territory daily, claiming it is targeting Hezbollah.
Hezbollah opposes disarmament, accusing the authorities of serving Israel's and the United States' interests.
Aoun also asked Washington "to support the Lebanese Army with equipment and supplies so that it can accomplish missions across all Lebanese regions," according to the presidency.
He also called for the necessary conditions to be provided "to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East."
Aoun additionally requested "U.S. support for efforts to hold a conference dedicated to the reconstruction of Lebanon."
Rubio, for his part, confirmed "the ongoing American support for Lebanon, praising the efforts of President Aoun and the Lebanese government in helping the country recover and overcome the circumstances it has faced," according to the presidency.
Attending the meeting alongside Aoun were Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, and the president's political adviser, Jean Aziz. On the American side, Ambassador Tom Barrack and envoy Morgan Ortagus were also present.
'Israeli army is hindering troop deployment'
Earlier in the day, Aoun met several counterparts in New York. During a meeting with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, Aoun explained the situation in southern Lebanon.
He also stated "that the return of Syrian refugees to their country is necessary," calling "for humanitarian aid to be provided to them in Syria itself."
For his part, the Slovak president mentioned his country's willingness "to assist Lebanon in the social, humanitarian and health fields," extending "an invitation to visit Slovakia to strengthen coordination between the two countries in various sectors."
Aoun also met Finnish President Alexander Stubb, whom he informed about the role of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River in implementing Resolution 1701.
Aoun noted that "the Israeli army is hindering troop deployment because it continues to occupy hills in southern Lebanon and pursues hostilities against villages and civilians."
"The government is continuing to implement the resolution aimed at gradually limiting weapons," he added.
With Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, Aoun also discussed the situation in southern Lebanon, particularly the Israeli attack that killed five, including a father and his three children, on Sunday in Bint Jbeil. Aoun stressed the need "to end these aggressions," while thanking Ireland "for its participation in UNIFIL."
Aoun also told Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden that "Israel's aggressive policy is a threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and presents a direct challenge to the international community regarding the enforcement of its decisions in favor of peace and stability in the world."
While the head of state is in New York, Barrack noted that "the situation in Lebanon is very difficult," observing that everything Beirut does "amounts to words, with no tangible actions."
