by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump criticized an Israeli airstrike on Beirut Sunday that overshadowed his 80th birthday and threatened to complicate efforts to finalize a U.S.-Iran framework agreement aimed at ending months of armed conflict across the Middle East.
“This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” he added.
The comments came after Israel struck targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs that it said were linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement. Lebanese civil defense officials said at least three people were killed.
DEAL FACES OBSTACLES
Iranian officials reacted angrily to the strike, with the parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, questioning whether Washington was willing or able to fulfill its commitments.
Iran’s military leadership also warned it was prepared to respond to any escalation.
Despite the tensions, mediators remained cautiously optimistic that a framework agreement could be reached soon. Pakistani and Qatari officials have been involved in negotiations, while Trump reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin that a deal was near.
Iran, however, stressed that no final decision had yet been taken and said political, legal, and technical aspects of the proposed agreement were still under review.
NUCLEAR AND SANCTIONS ISSUES
According to officials familiar with the talks, the draft framework would include the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and the easing of some sanctions in exchange for Iranian commitments on its nuclear activities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington would maintain sufficient military forces in the region while negotiations continue and would ensure freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.
The proposed agreement follows months of armed conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and has since expanded to include missile strikes, attacks involving regional allies, and major disruptions to energy supplies.
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