Trump to allow direct US flights to Lebanon after 41-year halt

Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. airlines will be permitted to fly directly to Lebanon, ending a more than 40-year halt. The suspension began in 1985 under President Ronald Reagan, following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

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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 on social media that his administration would allow all U.S. carriers to serve the route, enabling Americans to visit Lebanon easily. This announcement came after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House. During their discussion, Trump pledged significant assistance to Lebanon, which Aoun visited to advocate for calm amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

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It’s been a very badly treated place and country and we’re going to have it properly treated and treated with the respect it deserves.

The U.S. has been involved in peace efforts in Lebanon, though regional escalations, particularly concerning Iran, have drawn attention. Trump recently expressed limited interest in talks with Iran's leader regarding the ongoing war. Lebanon and Israel have previously engaged in U.S.-mediated direct talks.

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We’re gonna help it a lot.

Aoun's visit marked the first by a Lebanese president to the White House since 2009. Trump assured Aoun that Lebanon would be treated with "respect it deserves." While Trump promised substantial help, he provided no specific details. Lebanon hopes these talks will lead to Israeli troop withdrawal from southern areas and the Lebanese military asserting control where Hezbollah operates. Trump commented that Israel was "in the process of redeploying" from Lebanon but offered no further elaboration. Aoun described Trump's vision as "peace" and called it his "legacy."

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Your vision is peace.