WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to hold direct talks with Hezbollah if the situation requires it, adding that dialogue with difficult parties can sometimes help resolve conflicts.

Speaking alongside Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on Tuesday, Trump made several remarks about Iran and the ongoing regional tensions, according to foreign media reports.

The US president claimed that the American military is significantly degrading Iran’s military capabilities, saying the pressure on Tehran has reached a level that few had imagined.

Trump also acknowledged that Iran had successfully carried out an attack in Jordan. He said the attack might not have succeeded if different operators had been present, though he did not clarify whom he was referring to.

Commenting on the possibility of negotiations, Trump claimed that Iran is seeking back-channel talks to bring the conflict to an end. However, he said the United States has no interest in meeting Iranian officials until Tehran is prepared for meaningful negotiations.

According to Trump, Iran is under intense pressure and is therefore eager to engage in talks.

Responding to a question from a reporter, the US president said that if Lebanese President Joseph Aoun requested it, he would also be willing to engage in direct talks with Hezbollah. Trump added that he has spoken to people in the past whom many others refused to engage with, arguing that dialogue can sometimes produce solutions where other approaches fail.

During the meeting, President Aoun praised Trump, describing him as a “great president.” In response, Trump smiled and joked that after such praise, Aoun could now ask for anything and might get it.