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US President Donald Trump has urged Israel and Hezbollah to halt hostilities, warning that continued fighting could undermine a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran. In a series of statements, Trump expressed confidence that a deal with Iran is within reach and said the United States is committed to a complete ceasefire across the region.
Coverage comparison
Trump's remarks, carried by TASS, come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with the US president calling on both sides to stand down. He wrote on his Truth Social platform that "there should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel." He added that the sides are "very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region."
In a separate statement, Trump said the United States expects a complete ceasefire between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, noting that "the markets are loving what is happening with oil prices way down, and stocks way up."
The US president also addressed the possibility of an agreement with Iran, saying he believes a deal is possible regardless of the hostilities in Lebanon. "We're trying to separate it," he said, adding that Washington recently held contacts with Hezbollah for the first time. "We actually spoke with Hezbollah for the first time ever," Trump said, claiming the group agreed not to shoot.
Key claims
- Trump said he can persuade Israel not to attack Lebanon again. Asked by Axios whether he could prevent further strikes, he replied, "Yeah, I will be. No wonder they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say."
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will respond to any Hezbollah attacks and pledged that the Israeli military will not leave southern Lebanon.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al Mayadeen TV that the conflict between Iran and the United States will be resolved only if Israel ends its military operation in Lebanon.
- US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Washington demands that Iran exert its influence on Hezbollah to stop attacks on Israel, warning that failure to do so "will be a violation" of agreements. He added that "we have that military option and all options on the table."
- Trump called on Iran to stop launching missile attacks against Israel, saying "you've shot your missiles, that's enough. Get back to the table and make a deal." He said Washington and Tehran are "very close" to an agreement.
- Trump warned Iran of new powerful strikes over the situation in Lebanon, writing on Truth Social: "Iran must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!"
- Trump expressed confidence he can resolve the dispute over Israel's refusal to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, calling himself "a problem solver."