Trump Pledges Aid to Lebanon, Restores Direct Flights

President Donald Trump pledged substantial aid to Lebanon during a White House meeting on Tuesday with Lebanese leader Joseph Aoun, aiming to foster long-term calm amidst regional instability. The U.S. has historically supported peace in Lebanon, though recent escalations with Iran have complicated efforts. Trump indicated a current disinterest in direct talks with Iran's leadership.

Following the meeting, Trump announced his administration would permit U.S. airline carriers to resume direct flights to Lebanon, a service suspended for over 40 years. This decision reverses the 1985 suspension implemented by President Ronald Reagan's administration after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. Trump stated his directive to allow these flights to facilitate easier travel for Americans to Lebanon.

Joseph Aoun's visit to Washington marked the first by a Lebanese president since 2009. Lebanon hopes these discussions will lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and bolster the Lebanese military's capacity to assert control in areas previously influenced by Hezbollah. Trump commented that Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon is "in the process of doing that."