US President Donald Trump has called for restraint after Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut, warning that ongoing attacks could jeopardise a preliminary peace deal between the United States and Iran. In a post on his social media site, Trump said “all sides should stand down” and urged against further escalation, stating: “We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region … Let’s not blow it!”
The Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital’s southern suburbs killed three people and injured six, according to reports. Israel said it had targeted senior Hezbollah commanders after the group fired three projectiles into northern Israel. Trump told Axios that the strike had “delayed the signing by a few hours” and criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he had “no fucking judgment”.
Iranian officials condemned the attack and warned of retaliation. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said the strikes showed “America either lacks the will to fulfil its commitments or the ability to do so”. Deputy commander Gen Mohammad Jafar Asadi stated: “These crimes will not go unanswered.” Iran’s foreign ministry held the US responsible and warned of a “strong response”.
Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran on Sunday to finalise a memorandum of understanding, expected to be signed electronically. The preliminary agreement reportedly includes Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and the US lifting its blockade on Iranian oil sales, providing economic relief for Tehran. However, the deal does not address Iran’s nuclear programme, which would be negotiated over a subsequent 60-day period.
Analysts expressed scepticism about the feasibility of a comprehensive deal within two months, noting that the 2015 nuclear accord took nearly 10 times longer to negotiate. In Israel, there has been sharp criticism of the draft agreement, particularly over the absence of provisions to restrict Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its support for regional militant groups like Hezbollah.
