Lebanon refuses to be drawn into Iran conflict, says prime minister

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said his country refused to be dragged into regional war.

"I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity," Salam said on X. 

"In light of the serious developments unfolding in the region, I once again call on all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the Lebanese people's interests above any other consideration," he added. 

Just before the US and Israel began its major attacks on Iran on Saturday, Israel announced it was carrying out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in south Lebanon. 

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said the strikes had targeted mountainous areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence.

President Joseph Aoun said that "sparing Lebanon the disasters and horrors of external conflicts, and preserving its sovereignty, security and stability, are an absolute priority".

In a post on X, United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert urged "all parties in Lebanon" to "prioritise, in words and actions, the need to shield the country and its people from unfolding regional developments".

Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, was expected to deliver a speech on Saturday but it was postponed due to "recent developments".

Qassem has previously said that Hezbollah is in a "defensive position", but it would consider itself "targeted" by any US attack on Iran.