Lebanese President Aoun stresses need to keep Lebanon out of regional conflicts

BAABDA, Lebanon — During the Cabinet meeting in Baabda, President Joseph Aoun underscored the importance of distancing Lebanon from regional disputes, especially the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.   

He also highlighted the need for ministerial solidarity, urging all members to adhere to the Cabinet decisions and avoid obstructing projects, even if they disagree with certain resolutions.  

Regarding his recent visit to the Vatican, Aoun mentioned that he briefed Pope Leo XIV on the current situation in Lebanon and the wider region. He also extended a formal invitation for the Pope to visit Lebanon. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned what he described as Israel’s “serious aggression” against Iran and stressed the importance of maintaining stability, particularly in southern Lebanon.   

He warned against any attempts to drag Lebanon into the ongoing regional war.  

In a related development, head of Lebanon’s Tourism Unions Association Pierre Ashkar stated in a press release that the negative repercussions of the Iranian-Israeli war are already affecting Lebanon.  

These include airspace closures, flight cancellations, and widespread chaos in the aviation sector.  

Ashkar noted that while Lebanon’s summer tourism season initially showed highly positive indicators, the sector is now facing pessimism.   

He warned that the conflict’s impact would extend to all tourism-related industries and, ultimately, the national economy.