Trump je domaćin libanonskog Aouna, kaže da je otvoren za razgovore s Hezbollahom ako ga Bejrut zatraži

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on July 21, 2026, marking the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the U.S. executive mansion in over 17 years. During the meeting, Trump expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Hezbollah if Aoun requested it, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy toward the Iranian-backed militant group. The discussion took place amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and the broader regional power struggle involving Iran. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of instability in Lebanon, where Israeli troops continue to occupy several positions in the south. Many residents remain displaced due to the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and the latter has refused to participate in direct negotiations with Israel or efforts aimed at disarming it. According to a Lebanese official, Aoun believes only Trump has the influence necessary to pressure Israel into withdrawing its forces and helping Lebanon reclaim its sovereignty. Aoun reportedly presented Trump with a formal proposal outlining steps to dismantle Hezbollah’s extensive weapons stockpile. During the meeting, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting Lebanon, stating that the country has long been mistreated and now deserved proper attention and respect. He also mentioned discussions regarding the Lebanese army assuming control of areas previously held by Israeli forces, particularly in the context of pilot zones where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had recently withdrawn. Earlier in the day, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) claimed that IDF units had fired upon their troops as they deployed to these pilot zones in southern Lebanon. In addition to addressing Lebanon’s security concerns, Trump spoke about Iran, asserting that Tehran was "desperate" to initiate diplomatic talks. He warned that the U.S. had not yet witnessed the full extent of Iran’s actions, suggesting that further escalation could occur. Trump also announced plans for the U.S. to conduct military operations targeting the Pickaxe Mountain region, situated near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility. This location is known for housing two deeply buried tunnel complexes that are considered impervious to even the most advanced bunker-busting bombs in the U.S. arsenal. Pickaxe Mountain lies south of the Natanz nuclear complex, which suffered damage in June 2025 when explosions struck two of Iran’s uranium enrichment plants. Reports indicate that Iran relocated thousands of centrifuges used for enriching uranium to underground facilities within Pickaxe Mountain last fall, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Trump’s comments suggest that the U.S. is preparing for a response to Iran’s nuclear activities, potentially escalating tensions in the region. When questioned about the Houthi movement in Yemen, Trump stated that the U.S. would act decisively if the Iran-aligned group proceeded with its threat to block commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He said the U.S. would "just have to take care of business" should such a scenario unfold. Aoun’s office confirmed that the Lebanese leader planned additional meetings and consultations with various American officials to address the current situation in Lebanon and explore strategies to solidify the ceasefire. These discussions come at a pivotal moment for Lebanon, as the nation grapples with political uncertainty, economic hardship, and the lingering effects of war. The involvement of Trump, who has historically taken a firm stance on Iran and its proxies, could significantly impact the trajectory of Lebanon’s future relations with both Israel and Iran.