Trump and Netanyahu Talk: US President Donald Trump has said that he personally appealed to Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Trump says that increasing violence in Lebanon could affect the ongoing peace process with Iran. He also mentioned the conversation he had with Netanyahu.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said that he spoke to Israeli officials and asked them to exercise restraint. He believed that continued conflict could damage the broader regional agreement.
What did Trump say to Israeli officials?
Trump said, “Sometimes you have to calm down and use your brains.” However, he did not say whether he had spoken directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump’s comments came at a time when Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Earlier, the increasing military action between the two sides had created the fear of a major conflict in the entire region. Also, questions were raised on the efforts to convert the interim agreement between Iran and America into a permanent peace agreement.
A senior American official said that the ceasefire came into effect in Lebanon at around 4 pm local time. Earlier there was firing between the two sides. According to the official, negotiators from America and Qatar played an important role in concluding this agreement with the help of Iran.
What did the Israeli army say on the ceasefire in Lebanon?
According to Reuters, two Hezbollah sources and a senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire. The Israeli official said, “If Hezbollah does not attack us, then this is not the time for war for us.” He also said that Israeli forces will remain deployed in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanese security sources, Israel carried out some airstrikes during the first hour of the ceasefire taking effect, but no new attacks were reported after 5 pm.
Donald Trump speaks on Netanyahu?
US President Donald Trump has made an interesting comment about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said that he and Netanyahu have a good relationship, but “we have to keep them a little balanced.” Speaking to Axios journalist Mark Caputo, Trump said, “If Donald Trump had not been there, the situation would have been different. Bibi Netanyahu has done a good job with me, but he also knows that we have weapons, full support and we also have resources like B-2 bombers.”
Were US-Iran talks affected by conflict in Lebanon?
The proposed US-Iran talks in Switzerland had to be postponed due to the outbreak of violence in Lebanon. This meeting was considered to be part of important talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the future of Hormuz. Under the interim agreement reached this week, America and Iran have decided to negotiate a comprehensive agreement within 60 days. This agreement includes issues like Iran’s nuclear program, relief in sanctions and regional security.
What did Trump say on Iran deal?
Trump also defended the interim agreement with Iran. This agreement has drawn criticism from some of his Republican colleagues. He says that Iran has been given more concessions than necessary in this agreement. Trump wrote on social media, “This war has weakened Iran.” He further said, “We did not go for talks under any compulsion, we went to Iran. They have been completely destroyed.” Trump also rejected that Iran would get any economic benefits from the deal. He said, “We will look at the situation for 60 days. They will not get any money, not even a single penny.”
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