Trump warns Israel and Iran not to ‘blow it’ after new strikes threaten emerging ceasefire deal

U.S. President Donald Trump is urging all parties to stand down following fresh Israeli military strikes in Beirut this Sunday. The military action has threatened to derail delicate negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.

Rising Tensions Threaten Peace Deal

As smoke billowed over the Lebanese capital, the local health ministry confirmed three fatalities and 16 injuries. In response to the strikes, Iran has signaled a potential military retaliation. Trump took to social media to push for a de-escalation, writing, “We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon” and urging leaders: “Let’s not blow it!”

According to reporting via 205focus.com, the President remains optimistic that an agreement could be signed within hours. He has stated his intention to persuade Tehran to refrain from responding to the current Israeli strikes.

Diplomatic Friction

The current framework of the deal has caused friction for Israel's government, which has largely been sidelined by negotiations led by Pakistan. Despite pressure from Trump to exercise restraint in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to defy the White House’s requests. Trump reportedly expressed his frustration with the Prime Minister during a conversation with Fox News.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz maintain that the strikes are a necessary response to Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel. While the Israeli military reported minimal damage from three projectiles launched by the group, they have signaled they are preparing for further potential engagement.

The Ground Situation

Residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut, who had only recently returned home, are once again fleeing the area. The strike damaged a five-story apartment complex. The conflict, which ignited following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on March 2, has seen Israeli forces push deeper into Lebanon than at any point in the last 25 years.

As it stands, Iran is pushing for a ceasefire that encompasses the fighting in Lebanon, though the specific terms regarding an Israeli troop withdrawal remain unclear. Most recent Hezbollah activity has been concentrated on targeting Israeli forces operating within Lebanese territory.