Trump Indicates Lebanon Need Not Join Any Iran Accord - NBC

The NBC interview followed Trump's announcement of an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire that Hezbollah rejected, leading to further IDF action in Beirut.

ByCORINNE BAUM

JUNE 7, 2026 16:27

Updated: JUNE 7, 2026 17:26

US President Donald Trump stated that he is not requiring Lebanon to feature in any peace agreement involving Iran during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired on Sunday.

"I think they'd like to see it, but I'm not demanding," Trump remarked in the discussion taped on Friday.

His remarks arrived as the IDF hit Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh, Beirut, on Sunday.

The interview also followed by several days Trump's declaration of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which Hezbollah declined to accept.

During the exchange with NBC's Kristen Welker, Trump asserted that Iran and the US stand "very close" to an agreement and noted that Iran has accepted it will possess no nuclear weapons.

"We're very close to having a deal, and if we don't have a deal, we'll do it one way or the other. Either way, we win," he continued.

Trump Affirms He Will Not Release Iranian Funds Prior to Agreement, Contrary to Regime Request

Trump emphasized that he would not release any Iranian assets ahead of reaching an accord, despite Iran's insistence that such a step is essential.

"If they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking."

The Islamic Republic has insisted the US free $12 billion in assets held in Qatar before talks can advance.

Trump attributed the absence of a ceasefire accord to the Islamic regime, suggesting Iranian pride has hindered progress.

"They're strong, they're proud, there are things they never thought they'd be doing that they're going to have to do. They've got no choice, and it takes a little while," he said. Trump repeated assertions that Operation Epic Fury had "totally destroyed Iran's military."

Trump Expresses Willingness to Meet Khamenei Directly and Describes Him as More Rational Than Predecessor

He added that he would welcome direct discussions with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

"I would if he'd like to, but I have not spoken to him directly," he said.

Trump confirmed that Khamenei remains alive, participates in decisions on a peace accord, and appears "more rational" than his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"He's pretty badly injured. So there's a certain bravery there," Trump said.

"A lot of people, if they were injured that badly, they wouldn't be talking about, you know, 'How are we doing with the United States?' They'd have other things on their mind. So there's a certain bravery there. But he is very seriously injured."