So far, the executive authorities have taken steps that Iran has not considered friendly, as has the Shiite duo, which challenged the state—despite being part of the state and the Cabinet—over whether to accept the Iranian ambassador appointed by Tehran. Lebanon’s strategy for dealing with Iran remains unclear, assuming there is a strategy at all. It could involve boycotting Iran, confronting it, or negotiating with it, with negotiations arguably being the best option for a number of reasons. In any case, the Lebanese state, through both its first and third presidencies, cannot avoid asking itself this question now and considering how best to address it.
