US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed he would be able to prevent Israeli strikes on Lebanon, asserting that Israeli leadership follows his directions due to strong mutual respect. In an interview on The Axios Show, Trump said, "Yeah, I will be. I mean, they have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say." He also remarked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "It's good, but we have to keep him a little bit sane."
Trump's Criticism of Iran Nuclear Deal
Trump criticized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling it "a road to a nuclear weapon." He argued that previous administrations' efforts to engage Iran financially were ineffective. Trump referenced past US military actions targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure, stating, "If I didn't attack their nuclear supply 10 months ago with the B-2 bombers, Israel would not exist today."
Renewed Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah
The remarks came as a renewed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 9 am local time, brokered by the United States and Qatar, with Iran also playing a role. However, Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israeli forces would continue to remove "immediate threats" against Hezbollah violations.
US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding
A 14-point MoU between the US and Iran includes an immediate cessation of military operations, a pledge to negotiate a final deal within 60 days, removal of the US naval blockade, and Iranian facilitation of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. It also outlines phased sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets, and a US-backed reconstruction program for Iran.
