Trump calls Lebanon war 'minor', criticizes Netanyahu, suggests Syria role over Hezbollah

BEIRUT — At the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, Donald Trump said the emerging U.S.–Iran agreement guarantees that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon, while also issuing criticism of Israeli policy in Lebanon and urging restraint from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “The only thing that really matters to me is Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, and it says it loud and clear.” He added that any attempt by Iran to pursue nuclear arms would trigger a severe response, warning: “All hell will rain down” if Tehran intended to acquire such capability.

Trump also described the Lebanon war as “a minor one,” saying the broader Iran deal could still survive despite regional tensions. He said he had told Israel he “did not like” its recent strikes on Beirut, particularly an attack carried out “two hours before” the agreement was concluded, which he suggested could have undermined talks.

He appeared to criticise Israeli military operations more broadly, saying they had been fighting Hezbollah “too long and too many people are being killed.”

“You don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody because there’s a lot of people in those apartment houses – and they’re not all Hezbollah,” he said.

Addressing Netanyahu directly, Trump said the Israeli leader “must now be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” while insisting their relationship remains strong: “No, we have a great relationship.”

Trump also said: “I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah because to be honest with you, I think they’d do a better job of doing it.”

He praised Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, saying: “He’s not a boy scout, but he’s done an incredible job in Syria… He is very good when it comes to Hezbollah,” while suggesting Damascus could take on a larger role if Israel cannot achieve its objectives “without killing everyone.”

However, Syrian officials have indicated they do not intend to intervene in Lebanon.

Trump also described Iran’s leadership as “rational,” marking a softer tone compared to earlier rhetoric during the conflict.