Trump Slams Israel: “Can You Not Start Wars While I’m Negotiating Peace?”

US President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticised Israel following airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, warning that escalating violence in the region could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a peace agreement with Iran. The remarks come at a sensitive moment in West Asia, where backchannel negotiations between the United States and Iran have reportedly gained momentum in recent weeks, even as tensions continue to flare along the Israel-Lebanon border. According to early reports, the Israeli military carried out a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically targeting the Dahiyeh area. The attack reportedly hit a five-storey residential building, resulting in three deaths and six injuries, as per Associated Press. Reacting to the incident, Trump urged restraint from all parties, stating that continued military escalation risked derailing a potential breakthrough in talks. “We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region. Let’s not blow it,” he said in a brief statement. The strike has further heightened regional tensions, with Iran reportedly warning of a possible military response if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue to intensify. The developments have placed additional pressure on US diplomatic efforts, which are attempting to separate ongoing conflict flashpoints from broader negotiations. Officials familiar with the discussions suggest that Washington has been pushing for de-escalation across multiple fronts, fearing that a wider regional conflict could collapse the fragile progress made in nuclear and security talks with Tehran. Israel has not issued a detailed public response to Trump’s remarks at the time of reporting. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as international stakeholders monitor both the security situation in Lebanon and the status of US-Iran negotiations.