Donald Trump has issued a fresh threat to Iran, demanding it stop its 'highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon' from causing trouble, or face further military strikes. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president wrote: 'Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!'
Context of the Threat
The threat comes as US vice-president JD Vance reported 'great progress' in US-Iran peace talks taking place in Switzerland. Trump's reference to proxies points to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, which has been involved in cross-border attacks on Israel. Recent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have threatened to derail the preliminary peace deal between the US and Iran.
Renewed Violence in Lebanon
On Saturday, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people and wounded 12 others, according to Lebanon's civil defence agency. The agency said its personnel had been working 'since the early morning hours' in the Nabatieh district. The strikes occurred despite reports of a renewed ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing clashes.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Trump's latest remarks underscore the fragility of the peace process and the potential for further escalation.
