US confident of Iran deal despite Israeli strike on Lebanon

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Sunday that he remains confident a deal between the United States and Iran to end the war will be finalized, even with the recent Israeli attack on Beirut. Hegseth believes the negotiations are on track, with logistical aspects being the primary factors influencing the timeline for the agreement's signing.

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As far as I know, we are still on track. It's not a question of if it will be signed, but when. There are logistical aspects that influence how these things unfold.

"As far as I know, we are still on track. It's not a question of if it will be signed, but when. There are logistical aspects that influence how these things unfold," Hegseth said in an interview with CBS News' 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,' as reported by EFE news agency. He characterized Israel's airstrike on a southern Beirut suburb as "prudent," noting that while three people died and six were injured, the response was measured, especially given the proximity to a potential agreement.

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Israel has been very prudent in its response, conscious that we are about to reach an agreement. I do not expect that to alter it. I also accept that there may be more intense conversations about it.

The attack on the Dahye, a Hezbollah stronghold, followed reports of three projectiles launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory, prompting Israel to order the evacuation of over ten border communities. Hegseth suggested that Israel acted cautiously, aware of the impending deal, and does not expect the incident to alter the negotiation process. He also acknowledged that more intense discussions regarding the matter might occur.

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The issue of negotiations is not really my purview, but I think they will continue, and if Iran wants this to hold, it has to make Hezbollah withdraw.

President Donald Trump commented on the Israeli bombing, stating it "should not have happened." While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, he described the attack Israel was responding to as "very minor and insignificant." Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. is very close to an agreement that would bring peace to the region, urging all parties to remain calm to avoid jeopardizing this potential for "long and beautiful peace."

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Israel's bombing of Beirut 'should not have happened,' and although Israel 'has the right to defend itself,' the attack it was responding to 'was very minor and insignificant' because no one was killed or injured.