Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Saturday, urging against further escalation after Israeli forces targeted Beirut, while simultaneously claiming that a peace deal with Iran is nearing completion.
Trump's Statement on Israel and Iran
In a statement released from his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said, "Let's not blow it. We are very close to a comprehensive peace deal with Iran, and this kind of action only makes it harder. Israel has the right to defend itself, but we must think about the bigger picture."
The former president's comments come hours after Israeli airstrikes hit targets in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, which Israel said were in response to rocket attacks from Hezbollah. The strikes reportedly caused casualties and significant damage, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran Peace Deal Prospects
Trump claimed that his administration had laid the groundwork for a historic agreement with Tehran. "We were on the verge of a deal that would have ensured Iran never gets a nuclear weapon and brought peace to the Middle East. The current administration has fumbled it, but it's not too late. We are very close," he said.
However, experts remain skeptical. Iran has continued to enrich uranium at near-weapons-grade levels, and indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled over issues such as sanctions relief and nuclear inspections.
International Reactions
The United Nations and several world powers have called for restraint. A UN spokesperson said, "We urge all parties to de-escalate and avoid any actions that could lead to a full-scale war. The region cannot afford another conflict."
Israeli officials defended the strikes, stating they were necessary to neutralize an imminent threat. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, vowed retaliation, further complicating the path to any diplomatic resolution.
Trump's warning reflects the volatile situation in the Middle East, where any miscalculation could trigger a broader war involving multiple state and non-state actors.
