The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has stated that he does not intend to withdraw the approximately 50,000 American troops deployed in the Middle East for operations against Iran before reaching a peace agreement to end the conflict.
In an interview with NBC aired on Sunday, the White House leader argued that a withdrawal, even partial, would be „unwise,” as the United States may need these forces if negotiations with Tehran collapse.
Trump: American troops are not in danger
Asked about the risks faced by American soldiers in the region, Trump rejected the idea that they are in a vulnerable situation. "I don't think they are in any danger. We have the best defense and the best offense ever seen," stated the American president.
According to the official tally presented by Washington, 13 American soldiers have died in incidents related to the conflict initiated on February 28 by the U.S. and Israel against Iran and subsequently interrupted by the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.
"We lost 13 people there, and that is a lot," acknowledged Trump, comparing the losses to those recorded in conflicts such as the Vietnam War.
No lifting of sanctions before peace
The American president stated that Washington will not unlock frozen Iranian assets and will not ease sanctions before a final agreement. "If they behave well, if they do a good job, we start talking," he said.
Tehran is seeking the release of assets estimated at around $24 billion, and Iranian officials have indicated that this is one of the essential conditions for reaching an agreement.
Lebanon remains a point of contention
Trump stated that he does not see the inclusion of Lebanon in a potential peace agreement as necessary, even though this is one of Iran's demands. "I think they would like to see that, but I'm not insisting," Trump said, referring to Iran's request to include the situation in Lebanon in a potential agreement.
At the same time, the American leader urged Israel to limit operations in Lebanon to "surgical" strikes against the Shiite group Hezbollah, supported by Tehran.
"We are very close to an agreement"
The U.S. President reiterated his optimism about the ongoing negotiations. "We are very close to an agreement," Trump stated, but warned that if the talks fail, his response will be harsh. "I will send them to hell," he said.
Trump added that he would be willing to hold direct discussions with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, whom he described as "younger" and "more rational." "I don't want to say whether I know where he is or not, but there is a high probability that I do," stated the U.S. President.
Pakistan mediates the negotiations
The discussions between Washington and Tehran are mediated by Pakistan and focus on two major themes: the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the fate of Iran's stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
The United States and Israel demand either the transfer of this nuclear material out of Iran or its dilution, considering these measures essential conditions for ending the conflict.
In parallel, officials of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, argue that the ceasefire between the parties remains in place despite recent incidents and describe the recent American attacks as defensive actions.
Iran threatens retaliation after the attack on Beirut
Tensions escalated again on Sunday after Israel bombed the southern suburb of Beirut, specifically the Dahye district, considered a stronghold of the Shiite group Hezbollah, supported by Iran. According to Lebanese authorities, the attack resulted in at least two deaths and 11 injuries.
In response, Iran's chief negotiator and Tehran's Parliament President, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that American and Israeli bases and interests in the region could become "legitimate targets."
"The naval blockade imposed on Iran and the permission granted today by the U.S. to the Zionist regime turn American and regime bases and assets in the region into legitimate targets," declared the Iranian official.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission, Ebrahim Rezaei, stated that Iran will respond "firmly and harshly" to Israel's attack on Beirut. "This rabid dog must be stopped," added the same Iranian official in a message posted on the X platform.