Trump condemns Israel attack on Beirut, says Iran deal still close | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Criticizes Israeli Attacks on Beirut Amid Peace Efforts with Iran
In a statement Sunday, former President Donald Trump condemned Israel for its recent military actions in Beirut, Lebanon, occurring on what he described as a pivotal day for negotiating peace in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed that the Israeli attack “should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran.” He urged all parties involved to de-escalate tensions, stating, “We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down.”
Moreover, Trump asserted that there should be an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon as well as attacks by Hezbollah against Israel, declaring, “This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let’s not blow it!”
His remarks followed comments from Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who stated that Israeli attacks had raised questions about the United States’ credibility. Ghalibaf articulated doubts regarding U.S. commitment, stating, “If you lack the will and ability to fulfil your commitments, speaking of continuing the path is not possible.”
Israeli strikes in the Dahiyeh region of Beirut have reportedly resulted in at least three fatalities, according to local authorities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the airstrikes were a response to projectiles fired by Hezbollah towards northern Israel. Trump called the justification for the strikes into question, arguing that the attack they were responding to was minor and “should not disrupt this important process.”
On Saturday, Trump announced that a deal with Iran was expected to be signed soon, with Pakistani mediators indicating that the signing might occur virtually. However, Iranian officials provided a more cautious timeline, suggesting that the signing could take several days. Despite this discrepancy, both parties appear to be moving towards finalizing a memorandum of understanding aimed at ceasing hostilities across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon.
While the exact terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, indications suggest it will lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Ongoing discussions are slated to tackle unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, within a 60-day framework following the signing.
Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs, discussed the implications of Israel’s recent actions, characterizing them as a “strategic test” amid ongoing negotiations. He emphasized Israel’s desire to separate Lebanon from any deals with Iran, linking it to domestic political pressures faced by Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections.
U.S. officials have hinted at diverging objectives between U.S. and Israeli strategies concerning the conflict.
In related developments, former President Barack Obama addressed the possibility of a new Iran nuclear deal during an interview on ABC News. He expressed skepticism that a new agreement could significantly improve upon the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018. Obama pointedly remarked that efforts to resolve international issues cannot rely solely on military force, stating, “You’d think we would have learned that lesson by now.”
