Lebanon's prime minister postpones US visit, citing domestic situation

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday postponed his planned visit to the US, citing the ongoing domestic conditions.

“In light of the current internal situation, and in order to fully carry out my duty to safeguard the security and unity of the Lebanese people, I have decided to postpone my trip to the United Nations and the United States to follow up on government work from Beirut,” Salam said in a statement through US social media company X.

He did not specify a new date for the visit.

Lebanese media had reported that the trip was scheduled for next week, expected to include meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UN chief Antonio Guterres, though no agenda was disclosed.

The decision comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2, despite Beirut’s confirmation of an agreement with Israel to hold a first meeting between the two sides in Washington, DC, on April 14.

* Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.