In an interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump stated he would not unfreeze Iranian assets or ease sanctions until a peace agreement is reached. He indicated that any easing would come only after Iran demonstrates good behavior. Trump also said he does not require Lebanon to be included in a short-term arrangement with Tehran and wants U.S. forces to remain in the Middle East until objectives are met. He added that the United States would seize and destroy Iran’s highly enriched uranium. Trump described the two countries as close to an agreement but warned of severe consequences if talks fail. Israel carried out strikes on southern Beirut suburbs at least twice since the April 17 ceasefire took effect. The attacks risk disrupting U.S. diplomatic efforts with Iran, as Tehran has linked any deal to an end of Israeli operations in Lebanon. Israel has continued strikes and issued evacuation orders in southern Lebanon on a near-daily basis. Hezbollah has responded with rocket and drone fire into northern Israel while rejecting calls for disarmament. At least 3,526 people have died in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the conflict began in March, according to Lebanese health authorities. The Israeli military said the latest strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanese state media reported that two apartments in separate buildings were hit, with no confirmed casualties so far.
