A senior US Air Force official has said it is important to provide diplomatic solutions to tensions surrounding Lebanon instead of going to war.

Jeffrey Harrigian, commander for southwest Asia at the US Air Forces Central Command, told reporters while on a visit to Dubai on Friday that it was key to provide diplomatic solutions to tensions surrounding Lebanon instead of going to war.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation in a televised statement on Saturday, citing several reasons, including the security situation in Lebanon, for his sudden decision. He also said that he realized a plot being hatched against his life.

Hariri accused Iran and Hezbollah of meddling in Arab countries’ affairs; an allegation the two have rejected.

The Lebanese prime minister announced his resignation following visits to Saudi Arabia.  =