Trump discusses Lebanon plans as army expands southern presence
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump says Iran would need decades to rebuild nuclear capabilities after US strikes, warning of further attacks if Tehran restores nuclear sites.
- US president discusses Lebanon, Hezbollah, and regional tensions ahead of talks with President Joseph Aoun.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran that the US would launch further strikes against any attempt to rebuild nuclear facilities, while also addressing Lebanon’s efforts to expand army control in areas affected by tensions with Hezbollah.
Speaking at the Oval Office ahead of talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump said Iran would need "20, 25 years" to rebuild its capabilities if the US stopped military operations immediately.
"We're not finished at all, but if we left right now, it would take them a long time, years to rebuild. But we're not leaving right now," Trump said.
Trump threatens strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Trump said previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, claiming that without the attacks, "they would have a nuclear weapon and you wouldn't have 'Israel'."
Responding to reports that Iran was seeking to restore one of its nuclear sites, Trump issued a warning.
"We'll hit that site. Any site where they're even thinking about nuclear, we'll be hitting it very, very powerfully," he said.
Lebanon army deployment discussed
Trump was also asked about the timeline for the withdrawal of 'Israeli' troops from Lebanon as the Lebanese army moves into southern areas to expand its presence and replace the 'Israeli' military.
"They're in the process of doing that," Trump said, referring to troop redeployments.
He added that the US has "very concrete plans" to support the Lebanese army and said he would discuss the matter with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
"They are also becoming much more self-sufficient," Trump said.
Trump addresses Houthi threats
Trump was questioned about Yemen's Houthi group announcing a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, a move that could affect maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
"So far, it hasn't happened," Trump said. "It might happen, but we take care of things. If something like that happens, we take care of it."
He added that the Houthis had not posed a problem for the US "for a long period of time, including during this conflict."
Talks with Lebanon
Trump said Washington would provide significant support to Lebanon as the country seeks to address tensions involving Hezbollah and 'Israel'.
"We are going to solve a lot of problems. We've already solved some of them," he said.
"As you know, there's a Hezbollah problem, but we've done some things that I think the world will take notice [of]."
Trump described Lebanon as a country that had been "badly treated" and said it should receive the respect it deserves.
