Trump says Israeli strikes on Beirut 'should not have happened' as Iran peace deal nears

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated that recent Israeli strikes on Beirut "should not have happened," warning that such actions could undermine a peace agreement with Iran that he believes is close to fruition. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to call for restraint from all parties involved in the West Asia conflict.

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This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran. Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process

"This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran," Trump posted. He acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense but characterized the preceding attack as "very small and meaningless," asserting it should not disrupt the ongoing peace process. He emphasized that the negotiations for a deal with Iran have progressed significantly and that continued hostilities risk derailing diplomatic efforts.

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We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down. There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any party, including Hezbollah, against Israel

Trump expressed hope that the current moment could lead to lasting stability in the Middle East, stating, "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace -- Let's not blow it!" His remarks followed an announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that they had conducted a "precise strike" on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut's Dahieh area. The IDF stated the facility was used by Hezbollah to coordinate attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

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This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace -- Let's not blow it!

Hezbollah, however, claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting a gathering of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. Despite Trump's criticism, an Israeli source informed CNN that the Jewish state had notified the U.S. of the planned strike and had considered the potential for a ballistic missile response from Iran. The IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has been engaged in continuous assessments with senior commanders, preparing for possible incoming fire toward Israeli territory.

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Following Hezbollah's launch of aerial targets toward Israeli territory earlier on Sunday, the IDF conducted a precise strike on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut