US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed strong frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the timing of Israeli strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, but insisted that a proposed US-Iran agreement to end ongoing hostilities remains on track.
Trump's Criticism of Netanyahu
In an interview with Axios, Trump said the deal, expected to be signed earlier on Sunday, was delayed by a few hours due to the escalation in Lebanon. He voiced sharp criticism of Netanyahu's decision-making, stating, "It is so bad -- I couldn't believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal." Trump added that he conveyed his displeasure directly to the Israeli Prime Minister.
Trump lambasted Netanyahu, saying, "Why did Bibi have to do a f***ing attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no f***ing judgement. I let him know that." He acknowledged that Hezbollah had launched attacks against Israel earlier but argued that the incident had not resulted in casualties or significant damage.
Iran Deal Status
According to Axios, the Israeli strike in Beirut took place just hours before the United States and Iran were expected to finalize an agreement aimed at ending hostilities. Trump said the delay was temporary: "It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now."
Trump maintained that the agreement with Iran would serve Israel's long-term security interests by preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and enhancing oversight of Iran's nuclear programme. The proposed deal would require the disposal of Iran's nuclear material and allow for snap inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian Response
Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed that an agreement is expected to be signed. However, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, warned on X that "a strong response is coming" following the developments in Lebanon. "Today's crime by the Zionist regime in Dahieh, Beirut, once again proved the U.S. is weak without credibility, as it is not even capable of controlling this illegitimate regime. A strong response is coming," the post read.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the latest regional tensions, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts remained alive and that the deal could still move forward. It was not immediately clear whether Washington had received direct assurances from Tehran regarding the signing process remaining on schedule.
