US urges Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah as president pledges state control

The United States is intensifying diplomatic pressure on Lebanon to enforce disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah, signaling Washington's continued focus on limiting the organization's military capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Secretary of State Rubio raised the matter during recent discussions with Lebanese officials, underlining US concerns about unauthorized weapons stockpiles held outside state control. Lebanon's president responded by reiterating the government's stated objective to bring all armed groups under the monopoly of state institutions, a longstanding commitment that has faced significant implementation challenges over decades. The push comes amid broader regional tensions and international efforts to prevent non-state actors from accumulating advanced weaponry. Lebanese authorities have historically struggled to enforce such measures, given Hezbollah's deep entrenchment within the country's political and social fabric, as well as the organization's backing from Iran.