Speaking to a delegation of Maronite bishops from the Lebanese diaspora, Aoun said Beirut had received assurances that developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement would not dictate the course of negotiations involving Lebanon.

“We are certainly in favor of a ceasefire and welcome the efforts of any country that helps achieve it, including Iran,” Aoun said, according to remarks released by the Lebanese Presidency.

His comments came amid heightened regional diplomacy following the announcement of an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending months of conflict and creating a framework for broader negotiations.

Aoun emphasized that Lebanon’s leadership retains full authority over any discussions affecting the country and rejected suggestions that external actors could negotiate on its behalf.

“The negotiation is being conducted by the Lebanese state, which is sovereign in its decisions, and no one takes its place,” he said.

The president added that any future settlement involving Lebanon would be reached through the country’s legitimate institutions and would not come at the expense of Lebanese national interests.

His remarks appear intended to reassure domestic audiences amid growing speculation that regional diplomatic arrangements could influence parallel discussions concerning hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border.

The issue has gained urgency as international efforts intensify to secure a broader regional de-escalation. Earlier on Wednesday, leaders of the Group of Seven nations called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon while welcoming the U.S.-Iran agreement and supporting further negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East.

Lebanon has remained a central focus of diplomatic efforts following months of conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, with international mediators seeking pathways toward a durable ceasefire and broader regional stability.

Aoun’s statement underscores Beirut’s position that while it welcomes external assistance and diplomatic support, decisions regarding negotiations and potential settlements remain exclusively within the authority of the Lebanese state.

Berri, Lebanon’s most senior Shiite political figure and an ally of Hezbollah, said the priority must be halting hostilities before any political process begins, rejecting talks without guarantees that Israel would cease its attacks, according to comments published by An-Nahar newspaper.

His remarks came as Israeli forces issued new evacuation warnings to residents of four villages beyond a self-declared security zone, accusing Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire agreed in mid-April and extended into May.

The conflict escalated after Israel launched operations in Lebanon in March targeting Hezbollah, which had been firing across the border in support of Iran following attacks by Israel and the United States on Tehran.

Despite the ceasefire, hostilities have continued at a lower intensity, with Israel maintaining a presence in parts of southern Lebanon and conducting strikes, while Hezbollah has carried out attacks on Israeli forces. The group said it conducted 11 operations on Sunday.

Lebanon’s government has called for a lasting arrangement that would end recurring cycles of violence, though it has stopped short of seeking a formal peace agreement. Israel has said any deal must include the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Donald Trump, who hosted delegations from both sides for talks last month, said there was a strong possibility of reaching a peace agreement this year and expressed interest in facilitating further discussions involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Hezbollah and Berri have opposed direct negotiations, while Aoun has supported lower-level talks aimed first at consolidating a ceasefire before addressing broader issues, including Israeli withdrawal, the return of displaced civilians and detainee exchanges.

Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 2,600 people have been killed since early March. Israel says 17 of its soldiers and two civilians have died in the cross-border fighting.