Lebanon's Prime Minister Urges Trump to Mediate Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict Lebanon’s prime minister, Nawaf Salam, made an urgent plea Thursday to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing conflict, demanding an immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations with Israel. Speaking exclusively to CNN, Salam emphasized the need for a resolution “yesterday, not tomorrow,” as the death toll from Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah reached 1,000, with over 100 of the casualties being children, according to Lebanese officials. Salam framed his appeal to Trump as a call for the U.S. to play a decisive role in ending the war, describing the country as a “strategic partner.” He reiterated Lebanon’s willingness to engage in immediate talks with Israel, stating, “We are ready for negotiations with Israel,” while urging greater U.S. involvement. The conflict, which began 17 days ago when Hezbollah launched projectiles into Israel to avenge the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has seen the situation worsen in recent days as Israel’s military campaign expanded to include a broader ground invasion. While France has proposed potential settlement ideas, and there are ongoing contacts with U.S. officials, Salam said actual negotiations have not yet begun. A major obstacle to peace remains Lebanon’s refusal to recognize the state of Israel. When pressed on whether such a concession could be part of a peace deal, Salam avoided a direct answer, instead blaming Israel for the stalled progress. “We have been extending our hands for two weeks to have direct talks with the Israelis,” he said. “So far, we haven’t received an agenda from the Israelis.” He added that Lebanon would only address the issue once Israel provides a clear plan.#israel #donald_trump #hezbollah #lebanon #nawaf_salam
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asserts President Trump is uniquely positioned to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh, Salam emphasized that Lebanon is prepared to engage in diplomatic discussions with Israel but has not yet received a clear framework to initiate meaningful negotiations. He also reiterated his firm stance against accepting any territorial concessions, including buffer zones, that would encroach upon Lebanon’s sovereignty. Salam’s remarks highlight Lebanon’s strategic position in regional peace efforts, though the absence of a defined negotiation agenda has stalled progress. The prime minister’s comments underscore the complexities of brokering a lasting resolution, particularly given the deep-seated tensions between Israel and its neighbors. While Lebanon remains open to dialogue, its willingness to participate hinges on the presence of a structured plan that addresses its security concerns and territorial integrity. The interview underscores the broader challenges in achieving a Middle East peace settlement, with Trump’s potential role as a mediator gaining renewed attention. Salam’s emphasis on Trump’s unique influence reflects the belief that a former U.S. president’s diplomatic experience could offer a fresh perspective on a conflict that has persisted for decades. However, the lack of a clear roadmap for negotiations suggests that significant hurdles remain before any substantial progress can be made.#israel #lebanon #president_trump #lebanese_prime_minister #nawaf_salam
