President Donald Trump said Wednesday evening that Iran should retain some missile capability because other states in the region also possess them, dismissing advisors who advocate for zero Iranian missiles. Separately, Trump also argued that Syria's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, should handle Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying al-Sharaa can act precisely rather than 'knocking down buildings.' The remarks, reported by Israeli media (N12), continue Trump's recent pattern of commentary on Iran's missile program and the Lebanon front.
President Donald Trump made two notable statements Wednesday evening, as reported by Israeli media and journalist Amit Segal (N12), continuing his recent pattern of weighing in on the Iran missile issue and the Hezbollah front.
On Iran's ballistic missiles, Trump argued that other regional states (including Saudi Arabia) maintain conventional missile arsenals, and that therefore Iran must retain some capability. He dismissed advisors arguing for zero Iranian missiles, calling them 'not very smart.' The remark marks a significant departure from previous U.S. demands for full missile rollback — a thread The Zioneer has covered in recent bulletins (June 11, June 15, June 16).
On Hezbollah and Lebanon, Trump said that Syria's leader Ahmad al-Sharaa should handle Hezbollah, because unlike Israel, al-Sharaa would act precisely rather than 'just knocking down buildings.' This echoes his recent statements reported Tuesday and Wednesday that al-Sharaa would 'love' to enter Lebanon and that Israel 'can do a better job.'
The remarks remain unattributed to an official press briefing or interview — reported as on-record remarks by Trump via journalists. No administration officials have further elaborated on either position.
11 developments
- DevelopingTrump says Syria could handle Hezbollah 'without knocking down buildings', Israel should not need to
- ConfirmedTrump: 'Regime change has occurred'; discusses proxies and ballistic missiles next
- DevelopingTrump, in NBC Interview, Endorses 'More Surgical' Strikes on Hezbollah and Praises Syrian Leadership
- StrongTrump says Syria 'would be happy' to handle Hezbollah, Lebanese president to visit Washington
Source and signal
- Internal intake