President Donald Trump said the U.S.–Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz can survive even if Israel continues attacks in Lebanon.
The statement arrives as escalating hostilities between Israel and Lebanon threaten to destabilize the region. By decoupling the maritime agreement from the conflict in Lebanon, the administration aims to maintain a critical economic and security corridor despite broader geopolitical volatility.
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 [1], during the G7 meeting in Évian‑les‑Bains, France [1]. The president said international partners that the nuclear-related deal remains viable despite the ongoing violence involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
When asked if the deal could withstand the current regional tensions, "It can," Trump said [1]. He said the security constraints of the agreement, stating, "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon under the deal" [2].
The administration's confidence in the agreement contrasts with some regional perspectives. While Trump maintains the deal is sustainable, critics from the Times of Israel described the arrangement as a "catastrophic capitulation" that leaves Israel vulnerable.
Despite these contradictions, the U.S. continues to prioritize the stability of the Strait of Hormuz. This maritime passage is essential for global oil shipments, and international trade, making its continued openness a primary objective for the G7 nations meeting in France.
“"It can," Trump said.”
This position suggests a strategic attempt by the U.S. to isolate the Iran nuclear and maritime agreements from the immediate tactical conflicts in the Levant. By insisting the deal can survive Israeli operations in Lebanon, the administration is attempting to prevent a regional escalation from triggering a total collapse of diplomatic constraints on Iran's nuclear program.
