Donald Trump says Lebanon is "a very mistreated country" amid US aid pledge

President Donald Trump, during a White House meeting on Tuesday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, described Lebanon as a country that has suffered prolonged mistreatment, pledging substantial American assistance. Aoun, the first Lebanese leader invited to Washington since 2009, sought US backing for his military to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah and extend state authority in southern Lebanon—a key Israeli condition for ending its occupation. The meeting comes as the US continues military operations against Iran and its proxies across the Middle East, including recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and threats to target Houthi rebels blockading Saudi ports. Trump’s remarks highlight Washington’s effort to support Lebanon’s sovereignty amid regional escalation, though Israel reportedly fired near Lebanese troops deploying in a withdrawal zone, underscoring the fragile ceasefire framework.