Michel Issa, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, received by President Joseph Aoun on Nov. 17, 2025. (Credit: X/@Lbpresidency)
BEIRUT — Arriving in Beirut on Friday, more than a month after his official confirmation by Congress in early October, the new U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, presented his credentials Monday morning to President Joseph Aoun.
“The president, Joseph Aoun, received the credentials of the new U.S. ambassador, Michel Issa, who conveyed the greetings of U.S. President Donald Trump and his commitment to strengthening and developing U.S.-Lebanese relations in all fields,” the presidency announced on X. President Aoun, for his part, wished the ambassador success in his mission.
The diplomat was later received by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh. Earlier in the day, Issa began his local meetings with Foreign Minister Joe Rajji.
The diplomat, originally from Bsous (Aley) and appointed by Donald Trump in March, is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Nawaf Salam later today.
On Sunday, the diplomat received a warm welcome in his hometown. Speaking informally on the sidelines of a religious service, he urged Lebanese citizens to unite. “Everyone is watching us and ready to help. But if we don’t help each other, no one will help us. We must learn to be united,” he said.
A friend and golf partner of the U.S. president, Issa succeeds Lisa Anne Johnson at the embassy in Awkar, north of Beirut.
Johnson had served since January 2024. Issa’s arrival comes as the risk of an Israeli military escalation looms over Lebanon, where Israel continues near-daily strikes despite the cease-fire reached last November.
Before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July, Michel Issa called for urgent action against Hezbollah, asserting that its disarmament was not an option but a necessity.
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