US Envoy meets with Lebanese Prime Minister-Designate

US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus met with Lebanese prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam in Beirut.

Ortagus was in Lebanon for her first official visit abroad after being appointed by US President Donald Trump. She warned on Friday against any Hezbollah presence in Lebanon's new government, saying the Iran-backed group was "defeated" in its war with Israel.

Washington played a key role in brokering the November 27 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Under the deal, Lebanon's military was to deploy in the south alongside UN peacekeepers as Israel withdrew over 60 days.

Hezbollah was also to pull back north of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. The withdrawal period was extended to February 18, after Israel missed the initial deadline. Both sides have accused each other of violations. Ortagus said Washington was "very committed" to the new withdrawal date.