Trump calls for more 'surgical' strikes against Hezbollah, NBC News reports

What happened

NBC News reports that U.S. President Donald Trump called for increased 'surgical' strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, emphasizing a preference for more precise military actions. This was stated during an interview recorded Friday and aired Sunday.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Trump also confirmed a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu two days prior, where he reportedly reprimanded Netanyahu over Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. However, Trump denied demanding Lebanon’s inclusion in any deal with Iran, stating he wants to separate discussions about Lebanon from Iran negotiations. Tehran reportedly seeks to link the two conflicts.

The interview combined with statements from senior U.S. officials indicate ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace agreement following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Trump stated that sanctions and frozen Iranian assets would not be lifted before a deal, and warned of worsening conditions should talks fail.

Known from the source

• President Donald Trump called for more 'surgical' strikes against Hezbollah in an NBC News interview aired Sunday.
• Trump confirmed a tense phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Israel’s Lebanon offensive.
• Trump denied demanding Lebanon be included in a deal with Iran, preferring separation of those talks.
• Israeli strikes continue in Beirut’s southern suburbs despite cease-fire claims.
• Lebanese authorities report over 3,600 people killed by Israeli strikes since March 2.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have continued in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, despite a reported cease-fire. Lebanese authorities state over 3,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March 2, though these casualty figures are attributed to local sources and not independently verified in the context.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Exact wording and context of Trump’s interview with NBC News on 'surgical strikes' and Lebanon-Iran deal separation. Details of Trump’s phone call with Netanyahu as reported by the New York Post and other sources. Verification of casualty figures and strike details reported by Lebanese authorities or confirmed by other independent sources.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: L Orient Today. Open the source.