Lebanese President reaffirms state monopoly on weapons

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has renewed his commitment to limiting all weapons to the state and its military institutions, stressing that the decision is sovereign, final, and irreversible.

In remarks on a highly sensitive internal issue, Aoun said the implementation of the policy would proceed gradually, with extreme caution to preserve civil peace and prevent any slide into internal unrest. He emphasized that the Lebanese Armed Forces are the sole guarantor of security across the country.

His comments came as Lebanon’s Army Commander held high-level talks in Washington, focusing on deterrence and ways to address threats facing Lebanon, particularly along the southern border.

The visit aligns with the approach of the President of the United States Donald Trump, whose administration prioritizes strengthening US allies to promote regional stability. Trump’s strategy views bolstering the Lebanese army as key to removing justifications used by armed groups operating outside state authority.

Washington is reportedly studying options to provide Beirut with defensive and logistical support, relying on US military leverage to prevent tensions from escalating into a wider war.

Aoun also underlined that stability in Syria is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s security, noting that the relationship between the two countries is based on mutual impact. Positive developments in Damascus, he said, are reflected in greater calm and stability in Beirut, and vice versa.

The statements come as both countries seek to move beyond the repercussions of regional crises and strengthen cooperation to confront cross-border security challenges.