On April 17, 2026, US President Donald Trump declared the Lebanon ceasefire a diplomatic win and signaled progress toward direct talks with Iran, suggesting a potential first meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders in the White House within weeks.
Trump said the ceasefire, requested by Lebanon’s ambassador to the US during a State Department meeting with her Israeli counterpart, had been made conditional by Iran on a second round of direct negotiations with Washington.
He expressed confidence that a historic encounter between the Israeli prime minister and Lebanese president could soon take place under his hosting, calling the prospect “very exciting” and noting it would be the first such meeting in 44 years.
Trump links Lebanon ceasefire to Iran nuclear concessions
Trump framed the Lebanon breakthrough as evidence of improved US-Iran relations, claiming the combination of four weeks of B-2 bomber strikes and an effective blockade had created a “very good relationship” with Tehran, despite acknowledging it was hard to believe.
For more on this story, see Lebanon Army Reports Israeli Shelling of Villages Hours After Ceasefire Starts.
He stated Iran had agreed to return what he called “atomic dust” — referring to the 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium it possesses — deep underground, as a direct result of US military pressure.
Trump hints at possible Iran deal signing in Pakistan
When asked about the location for future Iran talks, Trump did not rule out traveling to Islamabad himself to sign an agreement, suggesting the next round of direct negotiations might occur in Pakistan.
