A vehicle loaded with household effects passes in front of a billboard displaying a portrait of the p, along the highway of the coastal city of Saida, on June 15, 2026. (Credit: Fadel Itani/AFP)
BEIRUT — On the occasion of the Islamic New Year, Joseph Aoun on Tuesday called for strengthening national unity and consolidating state institutions, as a U.S.-Iran agreement expected to be signed Friday could reshape the regional conflict landscape.
The deal is still unfolding, and its impact on Lebanon, Israel, and Hezbollah remains unclear.
"Today, more than ever, we are called upon as a unique national entity to strengthen our national unity, to rally around the institutions of the state, and to consolidate our human and national solidarity in order to face the dangers that threaten us, to preserve Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability," said the head of state in his message, as Lebanon goes through "exceptional circumstances of extreme sensitivity, and as our region faces rapid developments and challenges that require us to exercise the highest level of awareness and responsibility."
President Aoun added: "We hope that recent developments will alleviate the suffering of our people, free our occupied lands, and allow us to fulfill the aspirations of the Lebanese in terms of dignity, pride, and serenity. Happy New Year to all," the president concluded.
The Hegira (in hijra) traditionally refers to the departure of the Prophet Muhammad and several of his companions from Mecca to the oasis of Medina in 622.
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