Suleiman Frangieh: Critical Key Statements & Political Positions

Source: The statements were made during an interview on the Lebanese television channel LBCI (Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International) on the political talk show "Jadal" (جدل).

On Regional Diplomacy & U.S.-Iran Relations:

"I have always said that an Iranian-American understanding is the solution and provides fertile ground for a political settlement."

"Lebanon has become a bargaining chip in the hands of the Americans at the negotiation table with Iran."

On Negotiations & Guarantees:

"The President made a mistake, as did everyone who entered negotiations without prior guarantees."

🔹"Direct negotiations took place against everyone's will: 'If they were going to produce results, we wouldn't be talking about them now—and hopefully they bring something, though they won't bring anything.'"

"If the negotiations had yielded any gains, we would have been placed in an embarrassing position, but Netanyahu and his religious war will not offer any concessions, backed by a faction of the Americans."

On Partition & Regional Order:

"'There is no partition project in the region.' Had there been one, President Assad would have remained in Syria rather than heading to Moscow."

🔹On U.S. Sanctions & Domestic Politics:

"A month after U.S. sanctions were imposed on me, they called me 'from the President's office' and said: 'It’s out of our hands, we have nothing to do with it.'"

"I do not question General Joseph Aoun’s patriotism, but rather his trust in the Americans—who are allies of Israel and can never serve as an impartial arbiter."

On Relations with Syria:

"Our concern today for the various components in Syria is natural; we believe in the necessity of good relations with Syria. We never exploited our relationship with the President nor engaged in flattery. Today, if my visit to Syria serves Lebanon's interest or fulfills a positive role, I will not hesitate, but I won't go merely for a photo opportunity."

"Under the roof of Bkerke, I have always voiced concern about the Muslim Brotherhood ruling as an alternative to the Syrian regime—a threat Dr. Geagea used to deny, as Bkerke’s official minutes record. It is the right of anyone under threat to seek a solution or an exit."

On Judicial Double Standards & Security Incidents:

"Selective justice fuels suspicion, whereas a single standard provides reassurance. legitimate questions must be raised without fear. Both Netanyahu and President Trump admitted Israel's responsibility, even if Netanyahu's statements were later retracted."

"The ammonium nitrate found in the South was a story the Lebanese media rushed to blame on Hezbollah; once it was confirmed the materials belonged to the Israelis, every voice suddenly went silent."

On the Lebanese Army & Internal Stability:

"Does sidelining the military divide it, or does embroiling it in an internal confrontation divide it? The bet today is on time and regional settlements to fortify our domestic situation and build lasting stability."

"Any talk of a cabinet reshuffle is inherently tied to regional shifts according to democratic rules."

On Resistance, Israel, & Regional Strategy:

"We have no alternative but to pursue a national project. Waiting a little will not harm us; the priority must be achieving internal consensus—a role the President can fulfill alongside Speaker Berri."

"We must be the last Arab nation to normalize, or at minimum align our stance with Saudi Arabia to strengthen our position rather than acting individually and being isolated."

"I am unconvinced that Israel will abide by the agreement—this is their standard behavior. I see no real American pressure on Israel to withdraw; rather, I fear attempts to trigger a confrontation between Hezbollah and the Army."

"Israel failed to adhere to the cease-fire for 15 months, whereas Lebanon fully complied."