U.S. President Donald Trump has called for restraint following Israeli military strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, which threaten to disrupt ongoing efforts to finalize a ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran. The strikes, which killed three and wounded 16, have drawn threats of retaliation from Iran.
"We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon," Trump posted on social media, urging all parties not to "blow it."
The ceasefire negotiations, led primarily by Pakistan, have sidelined Israel’s government, which has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the proposed terms. Despite Trump’s appeals to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt strikes, Israel has continued its military actions, citing Hezbollah's attacks on northern Israel as justification.
Escalating Tensions
The Israeli military released footage showing Hezbollah launching projectiles, prompting fears of further retaliatory strikes. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel "will not tolerate firing into its territory," while Iran’s leadership warned that the strikes "will not go unanswered."
The conflict has already pushed Israeli forces deeper into Lebanon than at any point in over 25 years. Qatari mediators have been working to finalize a deal that would halt hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and potentially lead to Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. However, divisions within Iran’s government could weaken its negotiating position.
As talks continue, the region remains on edge, with thousands of lives lost and global markets disrupted by the prolonged conflict.