US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the newly announced agreement with Iran can withstand regional tensions, including any potential escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump said the broader Iran agreement would remain intact even if conflict erupts in Lebanon.
Asked whether the deal could survive an Israeli attack on Lebanon, Trump replied, “It can.”
“I consider that the minor war,” Trump said, referring to the conflict involving Hezbollah. “Iran’s the big one, but we have that little pinprick out there that constantly rears its head and that’s Hezbollah.”
Trump criticises Israeli strike on Beirut
The US president also revealed that he was unhappy with Israel’s recent strike on Beirut, which reportedly occurred shortly before the agreement with Iran was finalized.
“I didn’t like Israel’s attack on Beirut two hours before the signing of the agreement,” Trump said.
“I let them know that. I didn’t like that, not at all.”
‘All hell will rain down’ on Iran if it tries to get a nuclear weapon
Trump says the Iran deal specifies that Tehran will not 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 told reporters at the G7 summit in France.
“All hell will rain down” on Iran if the Islamic Republic intends to acquire a nuclear weapon, Trump added.
Iranian officials over the years have repeatedly said Iran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons and its nuclear activities remain focused on peaceful energy.
Qatar hailed for mediation efforts
Trump praised Qatar for its role in facilitating diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, describing the Gulf state as a courageous and effective partner.
“We are very, very impressed with Qatar and the way they handled things,” Trump said.
“Working with Qatar and the people of Qatar was really a pleasure. They were tough, they were strong. They are the closest to Iran physically,” he added, praising the country's “great bravery”.
Qatar Emir welcomes agreement
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said the agreement could pave the way for greater stability across the Middle East.
“I want to thank you for your leadership in this very critical time in the Middle East,” Sheikh Tamim told Trump during their meeting at the G7 summit.
“This is a very important deal. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but with this momentum, I think we can achieve and do great things in the region.”
The Qatari leader also reiterated Doha’s commitment to mediation efforts, saying, “Whenever friends ask us to help, we’re always here to help.”
Trump said he had initially hoped to avoid military action against Iran but argued that Washington had no alternative at the time.
“I didn’t want to attack them last week, but we had no choice,” he said, while describing the subsequent agreement as a positive diplomatic breakthrough.
Second phase of talks expected
The US president said he expects future negotiations with Iran to progress smoothly, expressing optimism about the next phase of the agreement.
“This deal should be successful,” Trump said.
He added that negotiations on the planned second stage of the agreement would likely “be actually easier” than reaching the initial framework.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a broader understanding between the United States and Iran, with regional powers closely monitoring developments and the role of Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Gulf mediators expected to remain central to future discussions.
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