Lebanese President Visits US as Israeli Explosions Threaten Bilateral Deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a historic visit to the White House, meeting President Joe Biden to discuss Lebanon's weakened Hezbollah, Iran's nuclear program and U.S. support for Lebanese stability. Biden said Washington would consider dialogue with Hezbollah if requested and warned Iran that military options remain, while urging more nations to join the Abraham Accords.

At the same time, Israeli forces detonated large explosives near the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, an action the Lebanese president called a direct threat to the bilateral framework agreement signed with Israel in June. The blasts created dust clouds over nearby villages and raised concerns for the UNESCO‑listed site, complicating upcoming negotiations in Rome and broader efforts to stabilize the border region.