Washington, 20 June (H.S.):
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah following a fresh escalation in hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, describing the agreement as a positive step toward reducing tensions in West Asia.
Speaking in a telephone interview with NBC News on Friday, Trump said he had been in contact with Israeli leaders earlier in the day and encouraged them to support efforts to halt the fighting. However, he did not confirm whether he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Calling the ceasefire a positive, Trump said the development complemented the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, which seeks to ease regional tensions and establish a framework for technical and diplomatic negotiations over the next 60 days.
I've always been good with Bibi. You just have to calm down sometimes and use your head, Trump said while referring to Netanyahu.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on Friday after intensive diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Qatar and Iran, according to officials familiar with the negotiations. The agreement aims to end the latest round of cross-border violence that had raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Despite the truce, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made it clear on Friday that military operations would continue against what it described as immediate threats posed by Hezbollah. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israeli forces would respond to any violations of the ceasefire and take all necessary measures to safeguard civilians.
Trump also indicated that US Vice President JD Vance could join future diplomatic discussions with Iran in Switzerland after a previously scheduled round of talks was postponed. He said special envoy Steve Witkoff would travel separately, while Vance could participate at a later stage.
Switzerland's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that the planned meeting involving representatives from the United States, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan had been postponed, while reiterating that it remains ready to facilitate future negotiations.
The 14-point US-Iran memorandum outlines an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations, including those affecting Lebanon, and commits both sides to pursuing a comprehensive agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension by mutual consent.
The framework also includes measures to gradually ease sanctions on Iran, release frozen Iranian assets, permit Iranian oil exports through US Treasury waivers, ensure the secure passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and support Iran's long-term economic reconstruction.
The ceasefire and the broader diplomatic initiatives mark the latest international efforts to prevent further escalation in West Asia after months of military confrontations and rising regional instability.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
