Overview
- Issa said Washington is urging Lebanon to implement its stated decision to disarm Hezbollah to restore state authority and safeguard the country’s future.
- He outlined U.S. priorities that include supporting Lebanese sovereignty, halting Iran’s proxy activities, disarming Hezbollah, and fostering economic cooperation.
- He declined to comment on the likelihood of diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon.
- His remarks followed an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, after which Naim Qassem said the group has the right to respond, highlighting strains a year after a U.S.- and French-backed ceasefire.
- Issa assumed the ambassadorship about two weeks ago and is also serving as acting U.S. special envoy to the region, reportedly replacing Tom Barrack.