US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that ongoing US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon should be treated separately from negotiations with Iran.

Axar.az reports, citing CNN, Rubio made the remarks during a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s separate because Lebanon is a sovereign country,” Rubio said. “When it comes to Lebanon, and what’s happening inside of Lebanon, we’re going to negotiate and deal directly with the Lebanese government.”

Rubio acknowledged Iran’s role through its support for Hezbollah but insisted Lebanon’s future should be determined by its own government.

“There’s an Iranian issue with regards to Lebanon, and that is their support and sponsorship of Hezbollah,” Rubio said.

“That factor will be discussed as part of our conversations with the Iranians, but as far as the future of Lebanon, the future of Lebanon belongs to the Lebanese people through their sovereign elected government, and that’s who we’re going to be working with.”