US President Donald Trump urged more “surgical” strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying that he does not want the conflict tied to a peace deal with Iran, according to Asharq Al Awsat.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump said “I’d like to see a more surgical attack on Hezbollah. I think it should be more surgical.”
New Attacks
On Sunday, Israel struck the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, saying that these strikes came in response to recent attacks on its territory despite a ceasefire that has failed to halt the ongoing tensions.
“No, no,” Trump replied when asked whether he was demanding that Lebanon be involved in the Iran deal.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon Involvement
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched a series of attacks to support its ally, Tehran.
As a result, Israel has launched an extensive military campaign that has since killed more than 3,560 people and destroyed numerous buildings.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army said 29 soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed on the Israeli side in Lebanon.
Ceasefire Agreement
On April 17, a ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah to halt their attacks and military actions, but both sides have never fully respected it.
Trump has previously mentioned that he would prefer to keep discussions on Lebanon separate from talks over a deal with Iran. However, Tehran insists on linking the two conflicts.
He further noted that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa would “love to help” forge an agreement in the Lebanon conflict. “And he would love to help.”
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