US delegation presses for Hezbollah disarmament in meeting with Aoun
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US officials meet Lebanon’s President and urged Hezbollah's disarmament, refusing to provide any guarantees on "Israel's" actions before disarmament.
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US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack speaks during a press conference after he and other US senators met with the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, on August 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
A US delegation met with Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun on Tuesday at Baabda Palace, affirming what they described as a "fruitful" meeting and expressing continued US support for the Lebanese people and a "secure and prosperous Lebanon."
The delegation included US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus, Congresswoman Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Lindsey Graham.
In statements following the meeting, Barrack said the Lebanese government will present a plan to disarm Hezbollah by August 31, while "Israel” is expected to respond step by step. "No one wants internal fighting in Lebanon," he said, adding, "We are trying to ensure that the anti-Israel party is unarmed."
Barrack stated that the US will remain engaged in Lebanon, suggesting the creation of a new economic zone and emphasizing that all regional concerns, from "Israel” and Syria, must be addressed. He also claimed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa "has no interest in a hostile relationship with Lebanon.”
It is noteworthy that "Israel" has violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon on a daily basis since it was first implemented late last year, and has moved to occupy Lebanese territory in South Lebanon and executed strikes on Lebanese civilians and homes.
The US has not offered any guarantees that "Israel" would abide by any future agreement, tying "Israel's" position and finances intended for Lebanon's reconstruction to the Resistance's disarmament.
Graham: 'We want a disarmed Hezbollah'
US envoy Ortagus added, "We are now in the process of implementing the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah.”
Congresswoman Shaheen echoed this, saying. "We will continue to support Lebanon through legislation and urge Lebanese leaders to stay on their current path."
Speaking from Baabda, Senator Lindsey Graham stressed, "We want a disarmed Hezbollah, and after that, we will talk to Israel.” He declined to comment on future Israeli actions before disarmament takes place.
Describing the moment as "a change in Lebanon’s history,” Graham said the US does not seek war but will provide full support if Hezbollah is disarmed. "We will view you differently,” he added.
Lebanese cabinet aligns with US disarmament framework
The Lebanese government had already begun aligning its security agenda with the US position. On August 5, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the Lebanese Army had been tasked with preparing an arms control plan to ensure state monopoly over weapons.
The plan is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet by August 31.
The Council of Ministers approved the overarching goals outlined in the US envoy’s proposal during its session on August 7. However, Information Minister Paul Morcos clarified that specific details would be discussed only after the Lebanese Army submits its implementation roadmap.
Meanwhile, sources informed Al Mayadeen that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri insists on two key conditions: extending UNIFIL’s mandate and ensuring "Israel’s" full commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
These steps, Berri believes, are necessary precursors to advancing negotiations, securing a sustained ceasefire, achieving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, returning Lebanese prisoners from "Israeli" jails, and beginning reconstruction.
The sources added that Lebanon remains committed to discussing the issue of limiting weapons internally and without external pressure, but only after the foundational conditions safeguarding Lebanese sovereignty are fulfilled.
