Trump Says US-Iran Deal Still on Track Despite Israeli Strike, Slams Netanyahu
Washington DC: A proposed US-Iran deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict is on track despite Israeli attacks on Beirut and Iranian threats of retaliation, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday. He also expressed his disappointment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the timing of the attacks.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said that the agreement, which was expected to be signed early Sunday, was postponed for several hours after the tension in Lebanon increased.
“It shook him up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to happen now. Now it’s scheduled for a few hours later,” Trump said during a phone call with Axios.
Israel’s attack on Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, came just hours before the United States and Iran are expected to finalize an agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, according to Axios.
Trump said he was surprised when his advisors informed him about the Israeli operation and made harsh criticisms of Netanyahu’s decision-making.
“The situation is so bad, I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we signed the agreement,” Trump said, adding that he conveyed his displeasure directly to the Israeli Prime Minister.
The US President acknowledged that Hezbollah had carried out attacks against Israel before, but argued that the incident did not result in loss of life or serious damage.
Praising Netanyahu, Trump said, “Why did Bibi have to do this?attack? I was so angry. I informed him. He has no ftrial. I reported this to him.”
Trump argued that the deal with Iran would serve Israel’s long-term security interests by preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons and increasing oversight of Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Trump, the proposed deal would require the destruction of Iran’s nuclear materials and allow for immediate inspection of Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have not publicly stated that an agreement is expected to be signed.
However, Chairman of the National Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament, Ibrahim Azizi, warned X that “a strong reaction will follow” following the developments in Lebanon.
The post said, “Today’s crime committed by the Zionist regime in Dahieh, Beirut, has once again proven that the United States is weak with no credibility, as the United States does not even have the capacity to control this illegitimate regime. A strong reaction is coming.” The statement was included.
Despite recent regional tensions, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts remain alive and the deal can still move forward.
It is not yet clear whether Washington has received direct assurances from Tehran that the signing process will continue as planned.
