Washington: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearly derailed the emerging US-Iran peace agreement through a last-minute military strike in Beirut, exposing growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the future of the Middle East.
According to Trump, an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon’s capital occurred shortly before a breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran was finalized. The US President said the operation delayed negotiations and complicated efforts to secure a deal aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
In comments reported by multiple media outlets, Trump described Netanyahu as “a very difficult guy” and suggested that Israel should appreciate Washington’s diplomatic efforts. He argued that the agreement would help prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while reducing the risk of a wider regional war.
Peace Deal Faces Regional Challenges
The proposed US-Iran agreement reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade and beginning a 60-day negotiation process on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions-related issues. However, several key disputes remain unresolved, including uranium enrichment, frozen Iranian assets and regional security arrangements.
Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu highlights growing differences between the United States and Israel regarding the path forward. Reports indicate that Israel was not directly involved in several stages of the negotiations and remains concerned about the concessions being offered to Tehran.
Netanyahu Seeks Meeting With Trump
Amid concerns over the deal, Netanyahu is reportedly seeking an urgent meeting with Trump following the US President’s return from the G7 Summit. Israeli officials are expected to press for stronger guarantees on Iran’s nuclear activities and greater freedom for Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel’s leadership has expressed unease that the current framework does not fully address issues such as Iran’s missile program, support for regional proxy groups and existing stockpiles of enriched uranium. Critics within Israel have described the agreement as incomplete and potentially risky for the country’s long-term security.
Iran Deal Still Not Final
Although Trump has announced that the agreement is effectively complete, Iranian officials have maintained that a final settlement will be negotiated during the 60-day ceasefire period that follows the memorandum of understanding. Tehran has also reiterated its mistrust of Washington despite recent diplomatic progress.
Analysts note that the deal remains fragile. Continued military operations in Lebanon, disagreements over nuclear issues and opposition from regional allies could still complicate implementation. Nevertheless, the agreement represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran in years.
Global Significance
The success or failure of the peace deal will have implications far beyond the Middle East. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could stabilize global energy markets, reduce shipping disruptions and ease pressure on oil-importing countries such as India. At the same time, the outcome of upcoming nuclear negotiations will determine whether the current ceasefire evolves into a lasting regional settlement.
