Lebanon elects pro-American general as president: Iranian influence wanes.

Lebanon has elected a new president, changing the political landscape of the region

Army commander Joseph Aoun has become the new president of Lebanon, elected by the country's legislative bodies. This signifies a weakening of Iranian influence in the region and a pivot of Beirut towards the West. According to Bloomberg, Aoun is a candidate supported by the United States.

More than two-thirds of lawmakers voted for Aoun. His election put an end to a two-year power vacuum in the country. The militant group 'Hezbollah,' which has significant influence in the Lebanese parliament and is backed by Iran, has suffered losses due to a recent conflict with Israel.

Israel has severely weakened 'Hezbollah,' depleting their stockpiles of weapons. This poses a threat to the group and limits their influence on Lebanon's politics.

Aoun has the backing of Washington, and the U.S. ambassador to the Middle East, Amos Hochstein, was also in Beirut during the week. A delegation from Saudi Arabia also supported Aoun's candidacy.

The elections took place after an unsuccessful search for a successor to Michel Aoun, who left the presidency in 2022. Aoun's election comes against the backdrop of an economic crisis and Lebanon's isolation.

The new president, 61-year-old Aoun, must lead the military and implement reforms that will help overcome the economic crisis in the country. The first task for his office will be to appoint a prime minister who will support Lebanon's development after the crisis and isolation.