Exclusive, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

U.S. Engagement with Lebanon Tied to Disarmament Strategy: Toward Action Plan by Mid-May

Berri’s visit to Baabda following Ortagus departure seen as politically significant

As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster stability in Lebanon and curtail the influence of non-state armed actors, the United States is intensifying its engagement with Lebanese political and military leadership to advance a practical framework for disarmament, with a specific focus on Hezbollah’s arsenal.

A senior diplomatic source confirmed to "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency that Deputy U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, recently concluded a high-level visit to Beirut, during which she held a series of strategic meetings aimed at aligning Lebanese partners with Washington’s broader vision for security and governance in the region. According to the source, the Lebanese response has been "increasingly in step with the U.S. orientation", marking a pivotal moment in bilateral discussions.

The U.S. administration has reportedly set mid-May as a target date for presenting an executable plan to address the weapons issue; one that prioritizes national cohesion and rapid implementation. During her visit, Ortagus held key consultations with President Joseph Aoun, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haikal, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.

Discussions with President Aoun and General Haikal were described as notably aligned, especially in their shared insistence on avoiding internal conflict, particularly any potential confrontation between the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah. Both leaders emphasized the need for solutions that preserve national unity and stability.

In a diplomatic move noted for its symbolism, Ortagus traveled directly from the airport to Maarab for a meeting with Geagea. This step, the source noted, reflects Washington’s recognition of the Lebanese Forces as a consistent and principled political actor, maintaining a clear pro-Western, anti-Iranian stance amid a volatile regional landscape.

The meeting with Speaker Berri was equally significant. U.S. officials regard him as a central figure in shaping a new national consensus on the arms issue. Known for his role in transforming southern Lebanon and encouraging investment from the diaspora, Berri’s focus remains on reconstruction and the safe return of displaced residents. His longstanding ties with Hezbollah and experience in ceasefire negotiations position him as a key interlocutor in any future arrangement.

When asked about the risk of domestic tensions, the source expressed confidence that Hezbollah would avoid escalation, recognizing the growing public frustration and the potential for internal backlash. "The disarmament file can no longer tolerate procrastination", the source said, adding that Hezbollah is aware of the shifting dynamics and is expected to engage constructively.

The visit concluded with a noteworthy gesture: Speaker Berri’s immediate visit to Baabda Palace following Ortagus’s departure, a move seen by observers as carrying significant political weight and possibly signaling coordinated steps to follow.