Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has affirmed that the decision to monopolize arms exclusively under the control of the Lebanese state has been made and is irreversible. This policy aligns with the longstanding consensus since the Taif Agreement, emphasizing the state's sole authority over weapons and the extension of its sovereignty across Lebanese territory. Aoun clarified that the Council of Ministers holds the exclusive authority to decide matters of war and peace. He also ruled out normalization of relations with Israel, which continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, while expressing openness to maintaining peaceful relations. The implementation of the state's arms monopoly will proceed cautiously. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack stated that Hezbollah represents a challenge that only the Lebanese government can resolve and expressed readiness to support Lebanon contingent on the government's commitment to enforce the state's exclusive control over arms. Barrack recognized the Lebanese Army as the sole legitimate national military institution and described Lebanon as facing a new opportunity for a future free from Hezbollah's influence. Separately, a Syrian government source rejected Kurdish attempts to retain weapons.