Ramalinga Reddy Row Resolved After Late-Night Talks, DK Shivakumar Says ‘Everything Is Settled’

A war of words has erupted between Iran and Lebanon after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Tehran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States. The comments triggered a sharp response from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who accused Aoun of ignoring what Tehran views as the real source of Lebanon's instability. In a strongly worded post on X, Araghchi rejected claims that Iran was exploiting Lebanon for diplomatic leverage, arguing that if Lebanon had truly been a bargaining chip, a deal with Washington would have already been reached. He also urged the Lebanese president to focus on what he described as Lebanon's "real foe." The exchange underscores growing tensions between Beirut and Tehran as disagreements deepen over Hezbollah, regional security, and efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.