President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is directing his administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon. The announcement came after a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
"After meeting with the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who has done a remarkable job working to transform his Country, I am hereby directing my Administration to allow all U.S. airline carriers to fly directly to Lebanon so that Americans can easily visit this beautiful land," Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. He expressed hope that other countries would follow suit.
During a joint press conference in the Oval Office, Trump referred to Lebanon as "a country of great intellect" and pledged significant U.S. assistance. "We've already solved some of them for Lebanon," Trump said, referencing the Hezbollah issue. "As you know, there's a Hezbollah problem. But we've done some things that I think the world will take notice."
President Aoun thanked the Trump administration for its support in facilitating negotiations and aiding Lebanon. The meeting and subsequent announcement come amid months of U.S.-backed diplomacy aimed at reducing Hezbollah's influence and fostering regional stability.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed the directive on social media, stating, "You got it, Mr. President."