Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called on U.S. President Donald Trump to take immediate action to end the ongoing war in Lebanon, describing the conflict as “imposed” on the country. 

In an interview with CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh, Salam urged “greater engagement” from Washington to bring the fighting to an end.

“The U.S. is a strategic partner to Lebanon. And President Trump, more than anyone else, can play a decisive role in bringing this war to an end,” he said. “We call on a greater engagement of the U.S. We need a ceasefire yesterday, not tomorrow.”

When asked what message he would deliver directly to the U.S. leader, Salam said: “To help put an end to the Lebanese conflict and to reaffirm to President Trump our readiness to enter into immediate negotiations with Israel. We know that this conflict can only end with negotiations.”

Salam also addressed the possibility of normalizing relations with Israel, a key element of peace deals struck by several Gulf countries. He stressed that Lebanon is ready to engage in direct talks but has yet to receive a clear agenda from Israel.

“We have been for two weeks extending our hands to have direct talks with the Israelis. So far we haven't received an agenda from the Israelis. Take this opportunity to say you're willing to... When we have received an agenda, a clear agenda from the Israelis, then I will definitely answer your question,” he said.

The prime minister rejected any notion of Israeli security zones or buffer areas on Lebanese soil.

“We cannot accept any buffer zone, security zone, any infringement on our sovereignty. We cannot negotiate any form of treaty deal arrangement as long as we cannot secure that our sovereignty will be fully restored,” he said.

Salam also highlighted Lebanon’s worsening humanitarian crisis, saying nearly one million people—roughly 20 to 25% of the population—have been displaced from southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

“Now Lebanon is turned into a battlefield of the war between Israel and Iran. All Lebanese are victims. This war has been imposed on us,” he said.

In a separate speech made in Beirut, Salam warned that tying Lebanon to broader regional calculations risks giving Israel a “pretext to expand its aggression,” saying that such approach "doubles the cost" for the country.

“We must read regional changes through the lens of protecting Lebanon, and we must put the national interest ahead of any other consideration," he stated, stressing the need for a domestic perspective in interpreting regional developments.

Salam outlined the country’s immediate priorities: halting the fighting, preventing further destruction, protecting civilians, facilitating the return of displaced residents, and launching reconstruction efforts.

“Lebanon’s priority today is to stop the war, stop the destruction, stop the displacement, protect civilians, ensure their return and launch reconstruction,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of restoring State authority.

“Restoring the authority of the State is not directed against anyone, nor is it a targeting of anyone. Rather, it is a protection for everyone. Lebanon has no future if it remains half a state and half a battleground,” Salam added.