Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has directly told Iran that no group in the country has the right to possess weapons or rely on any foreign support. This warning was delivered by the Lebanese President during a meeting with Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s top security institution.
This statement came after the Lebanese cabinet recently approved a US-backed roadmap aimed at disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah, under the 2006 United Nations Security Council resolution. Iran had also criticized this roadmap. Let’s take a detailed look at this Lebanese president.
Joseph Khalil Aoun: The Commando President of Lebanon
Joseph Khalil Aoun was born on January 10, 1964. He is not only Lebanon’s 14th president but also a strict army general. Before assuming the presidency on January 9, 2025, he was the commander of the Lebanese army. Aoun joined the army in 1983, during the Lebanese civil war. He spent time training in the United States, Syria, and Lebanon.
Counter-Terrorism Training
He also received counter-terrorism training in the United States in 2008 and again in Lebanon in 2013. In 1990, during the Elimination War, Aoun was a lieutenant in the commando regiment. At that time, his leader died, and Aoun took command of the unit in the crisis. This was the real test of his leadership.
Beginning of Political Career
His name came up strongly in politics in 2022 when Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces party, considered him suitable for the presidency. Countries like Qatar, the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also showed their support for him. Today, as President, Aoun seems to be giving a clear message that foreign interference will not be tolerated in his country, that only the army will possess weapons, and that the sovereignty of Lebanon is paramount.