BEIRUT

The deputy US envoy to the Middle East reaffirmed America’s support for Lebanon during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday.

The meeting, held at the presidential palace in Baabda, eastern Beirut, marked the first visit by a senior US official since Aoun assumed the presidency on Jan. 9.

According to the Lebanese National News Agency, Morgan Ortagus conveyed US President Donald Trump’s congratulations to President Aoun and wished him well in his presidential duties.

She stressed: "The United States stands with Lebanon and the Lebanese people."

Ortagus’ visit is part of a broader Middle East tour that includes stops in Israel and possibly Jordan, as reported by Anadolu correspondent.

The visit comes amid the ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon, where the formation of a new government, led by designated Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, remains stalled due to political disagreements.

Observers note that the Lebanese group Hezbollah and the Amal Movement, both Shia factions, insist on controlling the Finance Ministry as they did in the previous four governments while other parliamentary blocs demand broader representation in the government.

The Finance Ministry holds significant power in Lebanon’s political system as the law requires the approval of three key signatures -- those of the president, prime minister, and finance minister -- for most government decisions.

Lebanon’s political gridlock followed a presidential vacuum lasting over two years due to political disputes.

On Jan. 9, Lebanon's parliament elected Aoun as the president. Shortly after his election, Aoun appointed Judge Nawaf Salam, the president of the International Court of Justice, to form the new government.