US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon during a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese presidency said Thursday.
In a statement, Aoun’s office said he thanked the United States for its efforts to broker a ceasefire and for its support at various levels.
Rubio stressed that the US will continue its diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire as a step toward restoring peace, security, and stability in Lebanon, the statement said.
He also expressed support and appreciation for Aoun’s positions, the statement added.
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday in a post on his Truth Social platform that Washington is “trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon.” It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow.”
The announcement follows US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations that took place Tuesday at the State Department in Washington. The Hezbollah group was not represented in the meeting, which rejects the move.
The two sides agreed to begin direct peace negotiations, the location and timing of which will be determined later, at a time when Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war of 2023-2024.