US President Donald Trump has directed American airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon, following a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The move signals a warming in relations between Washington and Beirut and comes as Trump pledged greater US support for Lebanon, a country he said has endured immense challenges for decades. The gesture is being framed as a practical step to strengthen ties and encourage stability, particularly as Lebanon continues to grapple with the influence of Hezbollah.

During the meeting, Trump praised Lebanon's resilience and intellectual strength, and vowed robust American assistance to help address the country's ongoing problems. He said Lebanon deserved greater respect on the world stage, specifically referencing the Hezbollah issue as a key concern. The announcement comes amid a broader period of heightened US engagement in the Middle East, with Trump also making pointed statements about Iran around the same time.