BEIRUT — U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said Thursday he was “proud” of the progress achieved at the Port of Beirut, following a tour of the loading and unloading zone, praising recent upgrades and comparing the infrastructure to that of the United States.

“I did not expect to see such technology today; I felt like I’m living in America,” Issa said after the visit, adding that Washington would seek to provide assistance based on the port’s needs.

Nearly 100,000 standard containers passed through the port in July 2025, marking its highest monthly volume since 2019, the last year the facility operated at full capacity before Lebanon’s economic crisis and the devastating August 4, 2020 explosion.

Issa welcomed the installation of new scanning equipment, saying it could accelerate operations, improve performance, and strengthen the port’s international standing.

He congratulated Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, as well as the port’s new administration and staff, describing their work as an example of notable performance.