Évian-les-Bains (TDI): US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to act with greater responsibility regarding Lebanon, amid regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States.
Speaking during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump said he had expressed displeasure to Israel over recent strikes on Beirut. He suggested that Syria could potentially take a role in managing Hezbollah-related concerns rather than Israel continuing direct military pressure.
Despite his criticism, Trump dismissed suggestions of strain in his relationship with Netanyahu, saying the two maintain a strong working partnership.
The remarks come as Washington continues to push forward with a phased US-Iran understanding aimed at reducing regional hostilities. Trump confirmed that a preliminary agreement with Iran has been signed electronically, describing it as the foundation for a broader peace framework. However, officials on both sides have stressed that key details are still under negotiation.
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According to Trump, the arrangement includes a move toward a second phase of talks that will address more complex issues, including Iran’s nuclear program. He reiterated that the United States will not finance Iran’s recovery and insisted that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the central objective of the agreement.
He also warned that any attempt by Iran to pursue nuclear arms would trigger severe consequences, while expressing confidence that the current diplomatic track could succeed.
Qatar’s Emir welcomed the development, calling it an important step for regional stability and praising US leadership during a critical period in the Middle East. He said continued momentum could lead to broader progress across the region.
Meanwhile, Trump also commented on the war in Ukraine, urging Russia to reach a settlement with Kyiv. After meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit, Trump described the ongoing conflict as “ridiculous” due to its heavy human cost and said further discussions were planned.
On the Iran deal, Iranian officials confirmed that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will lead the delegation for the formal signing process expected to take place in Switzerland, though the exact venue and format remain undecided.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a new round of negotiations with the United States will begin on Friday in Switzerland, aimed at turning the interim arrangement into a comprehensive agreement. He said the process will unfold in stages, starting with issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and post-conflict reconstruction, followed later by nuclear-related discussions and sanctions relief.
Araghchi also warned that any continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon or presence in the region would be considered a violation of the interim understanding. He further argued that the US and Israel are effectively acting in coordination on the issue, a claim rejected by US officials.
