Trump Urges Israel to Exercise Judgment in Military Operations as Middle East Peace Deal Emerges

US President Donald Trump called on Israel to use "good judgment" in its military operations, including those in Lebanon, while affirming the country's right to self-defense. Trump made the remarks following a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17. When asked by reporters whether he wanted Israel to halt its military campaign in Lebanon, Trump clarified that he does not seek a cessation of operations but rather prudent decision-making in their execution.

Trump's comments come as significant diplomatic developments reshape the Middle East conflict. US, Iranian, and Pakistani officials confirmed an agreement aimed at ending the broader Middle East war, with Pakistan serving as a mediator. According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, the accord includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The agreement also establishes a 60-day ceasefire during which the sides will discuss Tehran's nuclear program. A formal signing ceremony for the agreement is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 19.

The ceasefire announcement follows months of escalating tensions. The US maritime blockade of Iran ended on June 15, marking a tangible shift in policy. Earlier in the year, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, triggering the cycle of regional conflict that the new agreement seeks to resolve. The emerging accord represents a significant diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions across the Middle East while addressing longstanding concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and broader security issues in the region.