The key facts
- Aoun called for 'wisdom and restraint,' fearing escalation in the region
- His remarks came amid reports of the US and Israel preparing a strike on Iran
- Aoun affirmed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and noted Qatar's energy assistance
President's warning
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned on Thursday that the region is facing 'very serious' challenges and expressed hope that their development will not lead to escalation or an 'explosion.' The statement was made at a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the presidential press service reported.
Call for restraint
Aoun called on Lebanese parties to 'show wisdom, awareness and restraint' to shield the country from the consequences of regional developments, noting that Lebanon is already going through severe economic conditions. 'This requires everyone — ministers and political figures — to act sensibly to spare Lebanon any upheavals the region may experience,' he added.
Context
The statement came amid reports in Western media about the US and Israel preparing a large-scale attack on Iran, with uncertainty regarding its timing. It is noted that elections to the Israeli Knesset are scheduled for October 27, and midterm elections in the US for November 3.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Separately, Aoun affirmed Lebanon's solidarity with Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on the kingdom in recent months amid intensifying fighting between the group and Yemeni government forces. He also thanked Qatar for its assistance in the energy sector: on October 16, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced a comprehensive framework for energy cooperation with Lebanon, including a major investment project to support economic stability and a long-term solution to the chronic electricity shortage.
