Asked directly whether the United States would impose an arms embargo on Israel if it continues to operate in Lebanon, Trump said he had never heard such rumors, brushing aside speculation that has circulated in recent weeks amid friction between Washington and Jerusalem over the pace of Israeli operations.
Pressed on whether Hezbollah would disarm under the terms of the current agreement, Trump said the group should disarm. The disarmament of Hezbollah has been a central pillar of the US-brokered framework for ending hostilities along Israel’s northern border.
On Iran, Trump struck a confident note about ongoing negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. He said the United States is in a very good position and predicted Iran would agree to dismantle its program. If it does not, he warned, Iran would be attacked very forcefully.
Trump was unequivocal when asked whether the United States would defend and assist Israel should it decide to strike Iran on its own. He answered, “Absolutely.”
He also moved to dispel persistent reports of a rift with the Israeli prime minister, describing the relationship between the two leaders as “very good and excellent.” The comments come after weeks of reported tension between the two world leaders over Israeli military activity in Lebanon and the scope of the emerging Iran deal.