US President Donald Trump has said that the United States has held direct talks with Hezbollah as part of efforts to reduce tensions and promote stability in Lebanon and across the wider Middle East. The remarks, made during a White House interaction on Thursday, mark a rare public acknowledgement of engagement with the Iran-backed group, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Washington.
Responding to questions about reports that Hezbollah had rejected a US-backed peace proposal, Trump rejected the framing of a breakdown in negotiations. He suggested that communication channels remained open and indicated that progress had been made in discussions aimed at reducing violence and improving conditions in Lebanon, a country he described as long affected by instability and conflict.
The President further disclosed that Hezbollah had itself initiated contact with the United States. According to Trump, the group reached out asking for a cessation of hostilities, which he said reflected a willingness to explore de-escalation. He added that he had also discussed the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of broader regional consultations.
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Trump emphasised that Lebanon has faced prolonged periods of unrest and described efforts to achieve peace as complex but necessary. He expressed optimism that diplomatic engagement could lead to positive developments, noting that any potential settlement would require coordination among multiple regional stakeholders, including Israel, Lebanon, and Iran-backed groups operating in the region.
He also linked the situation in Lebanon to wider geopolitical tensions involving Iran, suggesting that developments across the region are interconnected. According to Trump, addressing instability in one area of the Middle East often has implications for broader regional security dynamics, particularly in relation to Iran’s influence and alliances.
The remarks stand out as one of the most direct public references by a US president to engagement with Hezbollah, highlighting the evolving and complex nature of diplomatic efforts in the region. Lebanon continues to remain a focal point of regional tensions involving Israel and Iran-backed groups, with international actors seeking pathways to reduce conflict and prevent further escalation.
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