US President Donald Trump has said that he personally urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, claiming he stepped in as rising violence in Lebanon threatened wider diplomatic efforts linked to the fragile peace process with Iran.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he spoke with Israeli officials and encouraged restraint, warning that continued fighting could damage a broader regional agreement. “You just gotta calm down sometimes and use your head,” Trump said.
Trump did not confirm whether he spoke directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ceasefire Reached After Surge In Violence
Trump’s remarks came just hours after Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon following a sharp rise in hostilities. The fighting had raised concerns about a wider regional conflict and threatened efforts to turn the temporary US-Iran agreement into a long-term Middle East peace deal.
A senior US official said the ceasefire took effect at around 4 pm local time in Lebanon after both sides exchanged fire. According to the official, American and Qatari negotiators, with support from Iran, helped secure the agreement.
Two Hezbollah sources and a senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire. The Israeli official said, “If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war.”
The official also said Israeli troops would remain stationed in southern Lebanon. Lebanese security sources reported that Israel carried out several airstrikes during the first hour of the ceasefire. However, no further strikes were reported after 5 pm.
Lebanon Conflict Disrupts US-Iran Talks
The violence in Lebanon forced the postponement of planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland. The discussions were seen as important for advancing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Under the interim agreement signed earlier this week, Washington and Tehran have given themselves 60 days to negotiate a broader deal covering Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief and regional security issues.
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said Iran had made it clear that future negotiations depended on a full ceasefire in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that Washington would be responsible for ensuring commitments under the agreement were honoured.
Trump Defends Interim Iran Agreement
Trump also strongly defended the interim deal with Iran, which has faced criticism from some Republican allies who believe Tehran received too many concessions.
Posting on social media, Trump argued that the conflict had significantly weakened Iran. “The War has diminished Iran!” Trump wrote. “We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED!”
He also dismissed claims that Iran would gain financially from the agreement. “We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!” Trump said.
What Happens Next?
The ceasefire is expected to reduce tensions in Lebanon and create space for stalled diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. However, officials have warned that the situation remains fragile, with the success of future negotiations likely to depend on whether the truce holds.
First published on: Jun 20, 2026 07:52 AM IST
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