Aoun Makes Surprise Visit to Nabatieh, Rules Out New Talks 'At the Moment'

President Joseph Aoun made an unannounced visit to the largely evacuated city of Nabatieh and the Ali al-Taher ridge area, accompanied by Army chief General Rodolphe Haykal and senior security officials, to show solidarity with residents affected by Israel's ongoing operations. Aoun praised hospital staff for continuing to provide medical services despite the risks and told residents the state would 'follow up on the needs of the residents so that you stay here.' He said 'there will be no new negotiations with Israel at the moment,' signaling a diplomatic pause, and reiterated three national priorities: 'Withdrawal, the return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction.' The visit came as a planned round of U.S.-brokered talks in Rome was postponed to October, with ambassadors instead set to meet in Washington. The Lebanese army separately warned that continued Israeli escalation threatens implementation of the June framework agreement.