Trump Open to Talks with Hezbollah if Lebanon's President Asks

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is willing to hold talks with Hezbollah if requested by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, during a White House meeting focused on consolidating a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel. Source: infobae, elmundoes

The Meeting

Trump hosted Aoun, the first Lebanese leader to visit the White House in 17 years, to discuss the implementation of the Trilateral Framework signed on June 26. The agreement aims for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and deployment of the Lebanese army in "pilot zones." Source: elpaises Aoun thanked Trump for his "historical" mediation, saying the goal is to end "hostility between Lebanon and Israel." Source: elmundoes

Trump's Stance on Hezbollah

When asked if he would talk to Hezbollah, Trump replied, "If the president says he wants me to talk to Hezbollah, I will do it." Source: infobae He added he talks to everyone, even those others consider off-limits. The statement comes as Hezbollah opposes negotiations and Israel maintains attacks against the group. Source: elmundoes, euronewses

Key Developments

• Israeli Withdrawal: Trump said Israeli forces are "in the process" of withdrawing, and the State Department confirmed operations began in three villages: Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al Gharbiya. Source: elmundoes However, the Lebanese army reported Israeli fire near its troops in Zawtar al Gharbiya, a claim Trump said he would analyze. Source: elmundoes
• Support for Lebanon: Trump promised to help Lebanon "a lot," calling it a "very mistreated country." Source: euronewses He also ordered the resumption of direct flights to Lebanon. Source: elpaises
• Aoun's Request: Aoun urged support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, warning that "without them, everything will collapse." Source: infobae

Disagreements

While Trump and Aoun project optimism, skepticism remains. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Shia ally of Hezbollah, worries the deal could spark civil war. Source: elpaises Aoun insisted the framework does not need parliamentary approval and claimed Berri desires peace. Source: elpaises Meanwhile, Hezbollah officially rejects the talks. Source: infobae