PARIS: US President Donald Trump has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise greater responsibility regarding Lebanon, while insisting that the recently concluded peace agreement with Iran remains viable and unequivocally bars Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, Trump also warned that severe consequences would follow if Iran sought to develop nuclear arms.
Trump criticises Israeli strike on Beirut
Trump said he was displeased with Israel’s attack on Beirut, revealing that he had conveyed his concerns to Israeli officials shortly before the signing of the agreement with Iran. “I didn’t like Israel’s attack. I let them know that. I didn’t like that, not at all,” he told reporters.
Asked whether the US-Iran agreement could endure even if Israel carried out attacks in Lebanon, Trump replied that it could. Describing the hostilities in Lebanon as a comparatively limited conflict, Trump said the main strategic challenge had been Iran, while Hezbollah continued to pose recurring security concerns.
He further stressed the depth of US support for Israel, saying previous American administrations had not been prepared to take the measures he had adopted in support of the country.
Netanyahu must show greater responsibility
The US president said he had enjoyed a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but emphasised that the Israeli leader needed to act more responsibly in relation to Lebanon.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions along Israel’s northern border and growing international concerns that the conflict with Hezbollah could escalate into a broader regional confrontation.
His comments also suggest Washington is keen to prevent developments in Lebanon from undermining efforts to preserve stability following the breakthrough agreement reached with Tehran.
Trump says Iran deal clearly bars nuclear weapons
Separately, Trump said the agreement with Iran explicitly states that Tehran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. “The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear,” he said.
He warned that any attempt by the Iranian government to pursue nuclear arms would trigger a forceful response. “All hell will rain down” on Iran if it intended to acquire a nuclear weapon, Trump added.
The US president’s comments underscore Washington’s determination to ensure that the deal remains centred on preventing nuclear proliferation while managing broader tensions across the Middle East.
