Trip Linked To US-Iran Talks? Lebanon's Army Chief Embarks On Pakistan Visit To Meet Munir

Lebanese Army chief General Rodolphe Haykal embarked on a visit to Pakistan on Saturday for talks with his Pakistani counterpart, Asim Munir, according to a statement issued by Lebanon’s military.

The Lebanese Army said Haykal’s visit comes at the invitation of Munir. While no official agenda was disclosed by the military, the trip is reportedly connected to broader diplomatic efforts surrounding negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict in West Asia, AFP reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.

According to the source, Lebanon remains a key component of those discussions. Pakistan has emerged as an important intermediary, with Munir reportedly playing a central role in efforts to facilitate

dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

Aoun Rejects Iranian Role In Lebanon

The conflict has heavily affected Lebanon since Hezbollah entered the war against Israel in March, triggering a large-scale Israeli military response. Despite a truce, hostilities and cross-border exchanges have continued, while thousands have been killed during the conflict.

Iran has maintained that Lebanon must be included in any future agreement with the United States. However, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pushed back against Tehran’s position in an interview with CNN aired on Friday.

“It’s not your country, it’s our country,” he said, adding, “It’s not your job to interfere into our country.”

“They are using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiation with the United States. It’s unacceptable,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s military on Saturday reported that three soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike in the southern part of the country.

Hezbollah Opposes Proposed Ceasefire Framework

The developments come days after Lebanese and Israeli representatives announced a conditional ceasefire proposal in Washington. Under the arrangement, Hezbollah would halt attacks, withdraw from areas near the Israeli border and allow the Lebanese army to assume exclusive control in designated zones.

Hezbollah, however, has rejected the proposal, insisting that any agreement must first include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.