Trump, Qatar emir project optimism after landmark Iran agreement

US President Donald Trump praised Qatar's role in mediating the recent agreement between Washington and Tehran, while warning that Iran would face severe consequences if it sought to develop nuclear weapons.

Speaking alongside Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump described the agreement with Iran as a significant achievement and credited Qatar for helping facilitate diplomatic efforts.

"We are very, very impressed with Qatar and the way they handled things," Trump told reporters. "Working with Qatar and the people of Qatar was really a pleasure. They were tough, they were strong."

The US president highlighted Qatar's geographical proximity to Iran and praised what he called the country's "great bravery" throughout the mediation process.

Trump said the agreement clearly stipulates that Iran will not possess a nuclear weapon, describing the issue as his administration's top priority.

"The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear," he said, warning that "all hell will rain down" on Iran if it attempts to acquire such weapons.

Iranian officials have consistently maintained that Tehran's nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes and that the country has no plans to develop nuclear weapons.

Trump also reiterated his claim that Iran had been close to obtaining a nuclear weapon before the agreement was reached, arguing that recent developments had led to what he described as a more "rational leadership" in Tehran.

For his part, Sheikh Tamim welcomed the agreement, expressing optimism that it could contribute to greater regional stability.

"This is a very important deal. There's still a lot of work to be done, but with this momentum, if we continue like that, Mr President, I think we can achieve and do great things in the region," the Qatari emir said.

He stressed that the agreement was important not only for regional security but also for Iran itself, reaffirming Doha's commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts whenever requested.

"Whenever friends ask us to help, we're always here to help," Sheikh Tamim said.

Addressing regional issues, Trump also commented on Lebanon, saying he had maintained a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but had urged Israel to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon.

The US president said he had opposed an Israeli strike on Beirut shortly before the Iran agreement was announced, adding that he had communicated his concerns directly to Israeli officials.

Trump further described the conflict involving Lebanon as a "minor war" and suggested that Syria would be better positioned to confront Hezbollah.

The remarks came as G7 leaders continued discussions on regional security, diplomacy and efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East.