Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Israel’s latest strike on Beirut, saying the attack should not have occurred at a time when negotiations aimed at securing a peace agreement with Iran are reportedly nearing completion.
Trump Calls Beirut Strike Unnecessary
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Israeli operation risked undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
According to Trump, Israel has the right to defend itself, but he described the incident that prompted the response as minor and argued it should not jeopardise a potential peace agreement.
He wrote that the region was close to a deal that could help bring stability, including to Lebanon, and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.
Trump also called on both Israel and Hezbollah to halt attacks, saying continued military action could derail a significant diplomatic opportunity.
Tensions Over Proposed Iran Agreement
The reported agreement involving the United States and Iran has generated concern within the Israeli government.
Reports indicate that Israel has not played a central role in the negotiations, which have reportedly involved regional mediators. The proposed framework is said to include broader efforts to reduce tensions across the Middle East.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns that any agreement must adequately address security threats posed by Iran and its regional allies.
Israel Says Strikes Were Response To Hezbollah Fire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were carried out in response to projectile launches from Hezbollah toward northern Israel.
The Israeli military stated that several projectiles had been fired and reiterated that attacks on Israeli territory would not be tolerated.
Hezbollah has not immediately commented on the specific allegations.
Situation Remains Fragile
The latest exchange highlights the fragile security environment in the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Recent months have seen repeated clashes involving Israel, Iran and Hezbollah, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Trump’s remarks suggest growing US interest in preserving momentum toward a negotiated settlement, while Israel maintains that it must continue responding to security threats.
Whether the reported agreement progresses in the coming days remains uncertain, but the latest developments underscore the delicate balance between diplomacy and military action in the Middle East.