Israel Strikes Beirut, Sidon; Trump Says Attack 'Should Not Have Happened' Amid Iran Talks

Israel carried out airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut and near Sidon in Lebanon, resulting in at least three deaths and 15 injuries in the Beirut incident, and five deaths in the Sidon area, according to media reports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes hit Hezbollah targets in response to attacks on Israeli territory.

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The attack this morning in Beirut should not have happened, especially on such a significant day, as we are on the verge of a peace agreement with Iran.

The Iranian army issued a warning, stating that the attack "will not go unpunished." Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head negotiator and speaker of the Iranian Parliament, criticized the United States, suggesting the attack demonstrated Washington's unwillingness or inability to uphold its commitments. He implied that the U.S. had given Israel the green light for the strike.

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Israel has the right to defend itself from threats, but the attack it reacted to was negligible and lacked real relevance – without causing injuries or victims – and should not compromise this fundamental process.

These developments occur while efforts continue towards a potential US-Iran agreement. Former US President Donald Trump commented on the Beirut attack via his social media platform, Truth. He stated that the strike "should not have happened," particularly on a day nearing a peace agreement with Iran. Trump acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense but characterized the attack it responded to as "negligible" and without casualties, urging all parties to "take a step back" to avoid jeopardizing the peace process.

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It is necessary for all parties to take a step back; this could be the beginning of a long and wonderful peace: let's not ruin it.

Separately, media reports indicated Israeli airstrikes in Gaza near the Yemen Al-Saeed hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in four Palestinian deaths and several injuries. The timing of these escalations coincides with reports that Iran has accepted terms regarding its nuclear program, with an agreement reportedly expected soon, potentially opening the Strait of Hormuz.

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The raid on Beirut proves that the United States is not willing or able to respect its commitments.