Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday called on US President Donald Trump to "continue standing by" Lebanon.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a message to Trump marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, Aoun wished the US president and the Americans "continued prosperity." Aoun emphasized the longstanding and deeply rooted relationship between Lebanon and the United States, highlighting shared humanitarian and social values that have historically united the two nations. He noted that the relationship is gaining momentum due to Trump's efforts to restore stability and security in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.

Expressing Beirut's appreciation for the US president's efforts, Aoun added, "We call on you to continue standing by Lebanon's legitimate and just causes, as well as its institutions, armed forces and people, so that we may turn the page on war, and open a new chapter of hope, peace and stability."

On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-brokered framework agreement providing for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, beginning with two "pilot areas" that were not publicly identified. The agreement does not specify a timetable for Israel's withdrawal but ties it to the Lebanese army assuming full security control in evacuated areas and the disarmament of armed groups, particularly Hezbollah.

On June 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue holding what he termed a "security zone" in southern Lebanon, despite a US-Iran agreement that entered into force on June 18 and includes guarantees for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Since March 2, Israel has been conducting a military offensive in Lebanon, resulting in over 4,290 deaths, more than 12,190 injuries, and the displacement of over 1 million people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.