Ankara: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he has directed his administration to allow all US airline carriers to resume direct flights to Lebanon following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing that the directive aims to facilitate Americans visiting Lebanon. He commended President Aoun for his efforts in transforming Lebanon, expressing optimism that other countries might also restore their direct air connections with Lebanon.

The decision follows discussions between Trump and Aoun on bilateral relations, US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and the implementation of a recent framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, signed in Washington last week.

Direct flights between the US and Lebanon have been suspended since 1985 due to security concerns following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and the ongoing Lebanese civil war at that time.