Lebanon says Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s ceasefire commitment in call with Aoun

WASHINGTON (MNTV) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, conveying that message directly to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in a phone call, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency Thursday.

Aoun’s office said the president expressed gratitude to the United States for its brokering efforts and broader support, while Rubio in turn indicated that Washington would press ahead with its diplomatic drive toward a ceasefire as a foundation for restoring lasting peace and stability in the country.

Rubio also conveyed his appreciation for Aoun’s stated positions on the matter.

The call follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, posted to his Truth Social platform, in which he noted that Washington was working to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon, and signaled that a conversation between the two countries’ leaders — their first in roughly 34 years — was imminent.

These developments come on the heels of U.S.-mediated talks held Tuesday at the State Department, where Lebanese and Israeli delegations met directly.

Hezbollah was absent from those discussions and has rejected the process. Despite that, both sides agreed in principle to begin direct peace negotiations, with the location and timing yet to be finalized.

The broader backdrop remains complicated, as Israel continues to maintain a military presence in parts of southern Lebanon — some areas held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 conflict.