The deal is moving into phase two, Iran won't get a nuclear weapon, Trump said

At a recent summit of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies held in France, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed criticism toward Israel's military actions in Lebanon, particularly its ongoing conflict with the militant group Hezbollah. During his remarks, Trump emphasized that Israel should avoid excessive collateral damage during its operations against Hezbollah, suggesting that the approach taken so far has led to unnecessary loss of life among civilians. He pointed out that not everyone living in the homes targeted by Israeli strikes belongs to Hezbollah, and he urged more precision in military tactics.

The summit also focused on the evolving U.S.-Iran nuclear deal negotiations, which have entered a second phase. According to Trump, Iran will not acquire a nuclear weapon under this agreement, and the United States will refrain from investing money in the country. The two nations had digitally signed a memo of understanding over the weekend, which aims to ensure a ceasefire to facilitate further negotiations on a final agreement. However, both sides reportedly have differing interpretations of certain points within the document.

In discussing the situation in Lebanon, Trump criticized Israel’s prolonged engagement with Hezbollah, noting that too many lives have been lost as a result. He used a metaphor to illustrate his point, stating that one does not need to destroy an entire house to find someone, highlighting the high civilian toll of the conflict. This remark was aimed at drawing attention to the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence in the region.

Trump also addressed the leadership of Israel, suggesting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should take greater responsibility for the conduct of the military campaign. Despite these criticisms, Trump acknowledged that their relationship remains strong despite some recent disagreements. He proposed that if Israel struggles to manage the threat posed by Hezbollah without causing widespread casualties, Syria might be better suited to handle the issue. He praised Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad as highly capable, though this statement is likely to be controversial given the international community's stance on Syria.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant human suffering since early March, when Israeli airstrikes began targeting areas in Lebanon where Hezbollah operates. These attacks have claimed over 3,600 lives and forced more than 1.2 million Lebanese citizens to flee their homes. The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon continues to escalate, with reports indicating that the situation remains dire for those affected by the violence.

Beyond the Middle East, the G7 summit also addressed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in France, and both leaders indicated they plan to meet again soon. This meeting underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader implications of Russian actions in the region.

As the discussions continue, the focus remains on achieving a lasting resolution to the nuclear agreement with Iran while managing the complex dynamics of regional conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah, and other actors. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and beyond.