US President Donald Trump made striking statements on Thursday evening, in which he affirmed that the United States has the ability to access Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles without the need to conclude a formal agreement. Trump indicated during his remarks to reporters at the White House that these materials are 'buried' underground, considering that the Iranian side would not be able to prevent Washington if it decided to obtain them, despite his emphasis that there is no urgent need for that at present.
In the context of the diplomatic track, the US President revealed that ongoing negotiations with Tehran are witnessing tangible progress and described them as 'going very well'. Trump anticipated the possibility of reaching final understandings or a framework agreement during the current weekend, reflecting optimism in the White House about the imminent breakthrough in the Iranian nuclear file, which has topped the international agenda for many years.
Regarding the possibility of a summit meeting, Trump clarified that he currently has no desire to meet with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but he left the door open for this possibility. He added that if the two countries succeed in reaching a comprehensive agreement, he would show the necessary respect and might meet with the Iranian leadership to solidify the foundations of the new understanding, stressing that the results will determine the shape of the future relationship.
On the Lebanese front, Trump expressed optimism about making real progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, affirming that the Lebanese people deserve to live in lasting peace. The US President revealed direct contacts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and also dropped a surprise by confirming talks with parties in Hezbollah on this file to ensure the de-escalation process moves forward.
These statements coincide with a tripartite declaration issued by Washington, Beirut, and Tel Aviv, which includes a 'declaration of intent' aimed at a complete cessation of hostilities by Hezbollah. The proposal includes moving Hezbollah elements and its military platforms north of the Litani River, in an attempt to create a buffer zone that ensures the stability of Israel's northern border and ends the ongoing escalation.
In contrast, these diplomatic moves faced strong opposition from Hezbollah's leadership, as the party's Secretary-General Naim Qassem issued statements attacking the results of the negotiations. Qassem described what was reached as rejected outright, claiming that these conditions are not accepted by wide segments of the Lebanese people and detract from the country's sovereignty and the achievements of the resistance.
On the ground, the Israeli aggression continues to cast its heavy shadow over towns and villages in southern Lebanon, where the region is witnessing military escalation despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. Washington had extended this agreement until early July, but continuous violations and expanded operations that began last March still threaten the complete collapse of the political track.
Official statistics issued by health authorities in Lebanon indicate the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe, as the death toll since the start of the expanded aggression last March has reached approximately 3,526 martyrs. Medical teams also recorded more than 10,733 injured, while the number of displaced people from their homes exceeded one million, creating a worsening humanitarian crisis in shelters.
Observers believe that Trump's statements aim to exert maximum pressure on Tehran and Beirut simultaneously, by hinting at military and technical capabilities on the one hand, and opening direct negotiation channels on the other. The next few days remain crucial in determining whether the 'declaration of intent' will turn into a lasting agreement on the ground, or whether the field escalation will thwart American diplomatic efforts.
I don't think Iran can stop us if we want to get the uranium, but there's no need because it's buried.
שתף את דעתך
Trump: We don't need a deal to get Iran's uranium, and we've made progress on the Lebanon file