Nawaf Salam

Built World

Under pressure over the electricity standoff

On Monday, Lebanon's state electricity company began cutting power to about 100 public institutions that owe roughly $248 million. The list includes the finance and interior ministries, Beirut's municipality and water authorities.

Updated 2 days ago

Force in Play

As of July 2026: Lebanon signed the Trilateral Framework Agreement on June 26; Salam framed it as a mechanism ensuring full Israeli withdrawal and state sovereignty

The US, Israel, and Lebanon signed a 14-point Trilateral Framework Agreement in Washington on June 26. It ties Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah disarmament — Lebanon's army must first deploy to pilot zones, clear Hezbollah out, and pass a US-led assessment. Washington pledged $100 million in aid.

Updated Jul 4

Built World

As of June 2026: Backed the project as part of a national aviation network

For more than 50 years, Lebanon ran on a single international airport, in south Beirut next to a Hezbollah stronghold that Israel has bombed in successive wars. On June 6, the government opened a second one in the north.

Updated Jun 7

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Leading Lebanon's most assertive government in decades

Iran has stationed diplomats, intelligence officers, and Revolutionary Guard operatives in Lebanon for more than four decades, building Hezbollah into the most powerful non-state military force in the Middle East. On March 24, 2026, Lebanon's foreign ministry told Iran's newly appointed ambassador-designate to leave the country within five days — the first time Beirut has ever expelled an Iranian envoy.

Updated May 30

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Leading government since February 2025

On January 8, 2026, Lebanon's military announced it had completed phase one of disarming Hezbollah and other militias south of the Litani River, bringing weapons under state control for the first time in 40 years. Over 9,000 soldiers swept the region devastated by the 2024 war (4,000 killed, 1.3 million displaced), clearing ordnance and tunnels. Hours later, Iran's foreign minister arrived for talks; the next day, Israel resumed strikes while occupying five hilltops—business as usual despite the milestone.

Updated May 19