Trump Says Iran Agrees to Halt Funding for Hezbollah, Hamas
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Iran has agreed to cease providing financial support to Hezbollah and Hamas, marking a significant shift in the Middle East power dynamic. The statement, delivered from the White House, outlines a potential breakthrough in regional security negotiations that have long stalled.
Trump made the declaration during a press briefing at 7:02 p.m. EDT, stating that the agreement represents a major diplomatic victory. He did not specify the terms of the deal or the timeline for implementation. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where Iranian-backed militias have been central to ongoing conflicts.
The White House has not released further details regarding the agreement's verification mechanisms or the specific commitments made by Tehran. Officials declined to comment on the logistics of monitoring the cessation of funds or the role of international bodies in enforcing the terms. The statement did not address whether the agreement includes provisions for the disarmament of the groups or the release of hostages.
Iran has not officially confirmed the agreement through its state media or diplomatic channels. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has remained silent on the matter, offering no immediate response to the U.S. announcement. Regional analysts note that such a shift would require significant internal consensus within the Iranian leadership, given the strategic importance of Hezbollah and Hamas to Tehran's influence in the Middle East.
Hezbollah and Hamas have also not issued statements acknowledging the agreement. The groups have historically relied on Iranian financial and military support to sustain their operations. Without confirmation from the parties directly involved, the scope and enforceability of the deal remain unclear.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from international partners. U.S. allies in the Middle East have expressed cautious optimism, while some European leaders have called for transparency regarding the agreement's terms. The United Nations has not yet commented on the development.
Questions remain regarding the motivations behind the sudden shift in Iranian policy. The timing of the announcement, coming months before the end of Trump's term, has raised speculation about the political implications. However, no official explanation has been provided for the decision.
The White House indicated that further details would be released in the coming days. Officials stated that the administration is working to ensure the agreement is fully implemented and monitored. The situation remains fluid as the international community awaits confirmation from Iran and the affected groups.