Trump criticizes Israel, urges 'stop' for peace deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Israel's recent airstrike on Beirut, deeming the attack "unnecessary" and potentially detrimental to ongoing efforts to secure a peace deal with Iran. Trump took to social media platform Truth Social on June 14 to express his disapproval, stating the strike should not have occurred, especially at a time when the U.S. is reportedly "very close to a peace deal with Iran."

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The attack on Beirut this morning should not have happened.

While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, Trump characterized the incident that prompted the strike as "very small and meaningless." He urged all parties involved to "stop" their actions, emphasizing that the potential peace agreement could bring lasting peace to the region, including Lebanon. He specifically called on Israel not to attack further in Lebanon and warned other parties, including Hezbollah, against attacking Israel, suggesting this moment could be the start of "a long and beautiful peace."

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We are very close to a peace deal with Iran.

Israel maintained that the airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut was a response to three Hezbollah drones targeting northern Israel, though no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf criticized the U.S. following the strike, suggesting a lack of commitment or capability to fulfill its promises. He indicated that the current path might not continue if commitments are not fully met. Iran's Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, also warned that Israel's attack on Beirut "will certainly not be ignored without a response."

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All parties should stop.

The developments have heightened concerns of retaliation, with the Israeli military reportedly preparing for potential rocket fire into Israel within hours. Adding to the complex diplomatic landscape, former U.S. President Barack Obama expressed skepticism about any deal Trump might reach with Iran, suggesting it would not be a significant improvement over the 2015 nuclear agreement.

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Israel should not attack anywhere else in Lebanon, and any other party, including Hezbollah, should not attack Israel.