Lebanese President Meets Trump, Wins Airline Deal but Seeks More Support

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, hoping to secure financial aid for Lebanon's military and push for more pressure on Israel. The meeting, their first since Aoun took office in early 2025, was a rare opportunity for a Lebanese leader to sit with a US president. The last such visit was in 2009. Aoun asked for increased funding for the Lebanese Armed Forces and help rebuilding southern Lebanon, which has been hit by conflict. He also urged Trump to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. In response, Trump announced that US airlines would be allowed to fly directly to Lebanon for the first time in nearly 40 years. The ban was imposed in 1985 after a hijacking by Hezbollah members. Trump acknowledged Hezbollah's role in the region but said he would speak to the group only if Aoun asked. Aoun, however, insists that only the Lebanese state should have authority. The two leaders discussed a framework agreement signed in June to end the war. Under the plan, Israeli forces would redeploy, and the Lebanese army would move in to disarm Hezbollah. But Israeli troops remain in parts of southern Lebanon, and the agreement is seen as a small step. Experts say the US is waiting for Israeli elections in October before pushing for more progress. For now, Lebanon has only promises of future support.