Trump and Xi to Discuss Iran War Amid Continued Middle East Violence
US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for a three-day state visit, with the Iran war expected to be a topic of discussion. Speaking to reporters before departing for China on Tuesday, Trump stated that he does not require China's assistance in ending the conflict, asserting that the United States will prevail "one way or the other."
"I don't think we need any help with Iran," Trump said, as reported by Al Jazeera. He added that the discussion with Xi would primarily focus on trade, but acknowledged that Iran would be a topic: "We're going to have a long talk about it. I think he's been relatively good, to be honest with you." However, he later appeared to downplay the issue, saying, "I wouldn't say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control."
Trump also dismissed the notion that Americans' financial struggles influenced his decision-making in the war. "I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody," he said. "I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That's all. That's the only thing that motivates me."
Continued Violence in Lebanon
Despite a ceasefire, attacks persist in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Israeli drone strikes hit three vehicles on the main highway south of Beirut, killing eight people, including a woman and her two children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The Israeli military stated that it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas in southern Lebanon, following evacuation orders for residents of six southern villages.
Two of the drone attacks targeted a highway connecting Beirut with the southern port city of Sidon, while a third struck the town of Saadiyat near the busy freeway. A fourth strike occurred on Sidon's northern entrance in the early afternoon, hitting a car, as reported by state media.
Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on Thursday, as the Trump administration pushes for a breakthrough between the two neighbors that have been at war since Israel's creation in 1948.
