Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has accused Iran of exploiting his country as leverage in its conflict with the United States and Israel.
"They are using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their talks with the US," Aoun told CNN, calling the practice "unacceptable."
He called on Tehran to stop interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs, insisting that the country's interests do not align with those of Iran, Aoun said. Addressing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he declared: "It is not your country; it is our country."
CNN quoted Aoun as saying that Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem does not represent the Lebanese people.
Aoun made the remarks against the backdrop of a renewed push to implement a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
The agreement was reached after difficult negotiations and could pave the way for lasting peace, he said. Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was not involved in the negotiations, rejected the terms.
CNN initially released only excerpts from the interview. According to the presidential palace in Beirut, the full interview is due to be broadcast on Monday.