'Highly Paid Proxies Causing Trouble': Trump Warns Iran Over Hezbollah, Threatens Harsher Strikes

Published 21 June 2026 · world

'Highly Paid Proxies Causing Trouble': Trump Warns Iran Over Hezbollah, Threatens Harsher Strikes Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 19:41 IST Trump's remarks came

'Highly Paid Proxies Causing Trouble': Trump Warns Iran Over Hezbollah, Threatens Harsher Strikes Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 19:41 IST Trump's remarks came after American and Iranian delegations concluded technical talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the four-month conflict. Trump threatened to hit Iran "very hard again." (AFP photo) US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a fresh warning to Iran, threatening harsher military action if Tehran fails to control the actions of militant group Hezbollah. The US President described the Lebanese armed group as Iran’s “highly paid proxies." “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump’s remarks came after American and Iranian delegations concluded technical talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the four-month conflict that has destabilised West Asia and expanded into Lebanon. The negotiations, held at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, involved mediators Qatar and Pakistan and focused primarily on securing a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon and addressing Iran’s frozen overseas assets. Follow for live updates Earlier this month, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding intended to halt direct hostilities and establish a 60-day framework for negotiations on broader issues that have long strained bilateral ties. The understanding also included provisions aimed at ending fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and creating conditions for discussions on unresolved matters between the two countries.

However, repeated clashes between Israel and Hezbollah since the agreement was reached have threatened to undermine the fragile truce. Israel has maintained that its troops will remain in what it calls a security zone in southern Lebanon, while Iran has linked progress towards a final settlement to a complete cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. Trump’s latest warning highlights the challenges facing negotiators as they seek to preserve the fragile agreement and prevent a renewed escalation in the region. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry.