Prime Minister Nawaf Salam sharply criticized Tehran's intentions toward Lebanon, stating that its insistence on including the country in any ceasefire deal was calculated to signal to the world that ultimate decision-making power over Lebanon rests exclusively in Iranian hands.

It is glaringly obvious why Iran rejected the ceasefire agreement, Salam told British newspaper The Times. "Tehran wanted to broadcast to the entire international community that Lebanon is nothing more than a card in its pocket — and that they alone decide on our behalf, holding the final word."