“In light of the current internal circumstances… I have decided to postpone my trip to the United Nations and the United States,” Salam said in a post on ChannelThe visit was expected to include meetings with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking a major diplomatic engagement.
Iran warning Hezbollah Tensions
Salam’s decision comes amid escalating tensions, with Iran warning Beirut against marginalizing Hezbollah in upcoming talks with Israel. An advisor to Iran’s supreme leader warned that ignoring the group’s role would expose Lebanon to “irreparable security risks,” the New York Post reported.Pro-Hezbollah protests were also reported in Beirut, where demonstrators burned pictures of Salam and accused him of allying with Israel.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran remains in constant contact with Lebanon to ensure respect for ceasefire commitments, while also noting violations on the ground.
The strikes continue despite the push for a ceasefire
The postponement comes as Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon, where at least 14 people have been killed in recent attacks, and the total death toll is approaching 1,950, according to Lebanese officials.Israel has stressed that its operations against Hezbollah are separate from broader ceasefire efforts linked to Iran, which complicates diplomatic efforts to achieve stability in the region.
Fragile diplomacy and the broader conflict
Recently, the recent US-Iranian talks in Islamabad failed, as Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that no agreement had been reached after 21 hours of negotiations.The conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, has expanded to include Hezbollah in Lebanon and disrupted global energy markets, particularly through tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.Despite Salam’s decision, talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives are still expected to take place in Washington, although their outcomes remain uncertain amid ongoing hostilities and deep mistrust between the two parties.