Joseph Aoun

Biography

Joseph Khalil Aoun was born on January 10, 1964, in Sin el Fil, a suburb of Beirut, to a Maronite Christian family. He studied at the Lebanese American University, where he got a bachelor's degree in political science, and also earned a degree in military science from the Lebanese Army Military Academy. In 1983, Aoun joined the Lebanese Armed Forces, starting a distinguished military career that lasted over four decades.

Aoun's military training took him to several countries, including Syria and the United States, where he specialized in counter-terrorism operations in 2008. He also received additional training in Lebanon in 2013. Early in his military service, he was part of the War of Elimination in 1990 as a member of the Lebanese Commando Regiment, fighting with forces loyal to Michel Aoun. When the unit's commander, Bassam Gergi, was killed in action, Aoun took over leadership of the regiment, showing his ability to lead in tough situations.

In March 2017, Aoun was appointed commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, taking over from Jean Kahwaji. Before this role, he led the 9th Brigade, stationed along the volatile border with Israel from 2015. As army commander, Aoun became known nationally for his leadership and his strategic efforts against terrorist groups like the Islamic State and Al-Nusra Front, which were major threats to Lebanon's security and stability.

Aoun's military leadership during periods of regional instability built his reputation as a capable and principled officer. His professional approach and success in managing security challenges led to talk about his potential political future. By 2022, he became a leading candidate for the Lebanese presidency, as the country faced a long constitutional crisis after President Michel Aoun's term ended.

In January 2025, Joseph Aoun was elected as the 14th President of Lebanon, bringing an end to a two-year presidential vacancy that had stalled the country's political institutions. His election marked a shift from military leadership to Lebanon's highest civilian role. He is married to Nehmat Aoun and has received several national honors, including the Grand Officer of the Order of Merit and Knight of the National Order of the Cedar.