Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has spoken by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanking Washington for its ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel–Lebanon conflict, according to official Lebanese‑presidency statements published on 16 April 2026. The call, which took place in the context of intense regional diplomacy, underscored Beirut’s eagerness for a durable halt to hostilities that have devastated large parts of southern Lebanon and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
In the conversation, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed that the United States would continue its active mediation aimed at achieving a ceasefire, which he described as a necessary prelude to building longer‑term peace, security, and stability in Lebanon. U.S.‑linked diplomatic briefings indicate that the call aligned with broader efforts to solidify a three‑way engagement between Washington, Israel and Lebanon, including planned contacts between President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under American facilitation. The Lebanese presidency has publicly welcomed the U.S.‑led initiative, framing it as a critical step toward ending the current war phase and creating conditions for the return of displaced populations.
The discussion also touched on the need to address both immediate security concerns and longer‑term political and reconstruction‑related issues, with Lebanese officials stressing that any ceasefire and subsequent peace process must respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and the return of displaced citizens to their homes. International open‑sources identify the call as part of a wider diplomatic push that includes direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli envoys, which have been hosted in Washington with Rubio’s personal involvement as mediator.
Key highlights
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President Joseph Aoun speaks by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about ceasefire efforts.
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Aoun thanks the United States for its role in pushing for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
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Rubio reaffirms continued U.S. efforts to secure a ceasefire and then peace in Lebanon.
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Call is linked to broader plans for a three‑way dialogue between Lebanon, Israel and the U.S.
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Beirut frames the U.S.‑led push as key to stopping war and enabling return of displaced people.