Trump warns Israel, Iran to ‘not blow’ emerging peace deal
Trump Urges Israel and Iran to Avoid Sabotaging Peace Deal with Lebanon
Trump warns Israel Iran to not blow - President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to both Israel and Iran on Sunday, cautioning them against actions that might derail an emerging peace agreement. The timing of his remarks came amid recent military strikes by Israeli forces in Lebanon, which had sparked concern among regional actors and international observers. Trump emphasized the importance of the deal, which he described as a pivotal moment for stability in the Middle East.
Ceasefire Prospects and Trump's Appeal
After signaling on Saturday that a ceasefire could be reached, Trump took to Truth Social to reinforce his message. He wrote that the region was on the brink of a historic agreement, one that would bring peace not only to Lebanon but also to broader Middle Eastern tensions. “We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” he declared, highlighting the need for restraint from all parties involved.
Trump’s call for de-escalation targeted both Israel and Iran, which he accused of potentially undermining the progress. “There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel,” he continued. The president’s tone was urgent, framing the deal as a fragile opportunity that required collective effort to preserve.
The warning followed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes in Beirut, which were a response to Hezbollah’s projectiles fired into northern Israel. Trump criticized the Israeli attack, stating that it occurred on a critical day when the peace deal was nearing completion. “Israel’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran,” he said, calling the assault “small and meaningless” and insisting it caused unnecessary disruption.
Escalation in Lebanon and Regional Reactions
The IDF confirmed that its strikes had not resulted in casualties, with officials noting that the attack was under investigation. This information aligned with Trump’s assertion that no one was injured in the incident, reinforcing his argument that the conflict was not as severe as it appeared. However, the strikes had already created tension with the peace agreement, according to a source who spoke to NewsNation, The Hill’s sister network.
Although Israel is not a party to the emerging peace deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had expressed support for Trump’s efforts. The PM’s office stated on Thursday that Netanyahu backed the president’s commitment to the agreement, suggesting that the Israeli government was willing to engage in the process. Yet, the recent strikes raised questions about the country’s willingness to fully commit to the ceasefire.
The deal, which aims to resolve long-standing disputes between Iran and Lebanon, also includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is vital for global oil and gas trade, facilitating the movement of roughly 20% of the world’s maritime energy supply. The potential reopening of the strait has been a key component of the negotiations, with Trump highlighting its economic and geopolitical significance.
Iran's Stance and Qatari Role
Iranian officials and state media have been skeptical of the U.S. claims regarding the peace deal’s imminent signing. While they did not outright reject the possibility, they expressed caution, suggesting that the process would take time to solidify. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told Islamic Republic Iran Broadcasting that his country would remain “cautious” in its statements due to “the other side’s inconsistency.”
Despite the hesitation, Qatari negotiators moved forward with their efforts to finalize the ceasefire. A person familiar with the situation reported that they had flown to Tehran on Sunday to meet with Iranian officials as part of the ongoing diplomatic process. This move underscores Qatar’s role as a mediator, leveraging its influence to bridge gaps between the U.S., Iran, and Israel.
Trump’s comments also drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who viewed the deal as a political compromise rather than a genuine resolution. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) lambasted the agreement, calling its components “terrible” and likening it to a “surrender document.” “$100 billion of taxpayer money already put into this war, 14 Americans dead, and we get a deal that just reopens the strait that was already open before he started the war?” Moulton questioned on MS NOW, emphasizing the cost of the conflict.
Another New England Democrat, Rep. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), took a similarly critical stance, suggesting that the deal was more of a “birthday gift” for Trump, who turned 80 on Sunday. “I think the precipitating issue today, the president wants to give himself a birthday present, and we have paid for it with hundreds of billions of dollars,” Reed said on Fox News’s “Fox News Sunday.” His remarks highlighted the political nature of the agreement and the concerns of opponents about its terms.
Implications for Regional Stability
The peace deal, if finalized, could mark a significant shift in the Middle East’s power dynamics. By reducing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, it may create space for broader negotiations with Iran. However, the success of the agreement hinges on the willingness of all parties to uphold their commitments, a challenge that remains uncertain.
Analysts have noted that the deal’s immediate impact will depend on how it is implemented. For instance, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could ease oil market pressures, but it may also embolden regional actors who view the U.S. as a key player in their conflicts. The U.S. has long been a mediator in Middle Eastern disputes, and Trump’s administration has positioned itself as a central figure in this new arrangement.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s role in the conflict continues to be a focal point. While the group is not a direct party to the peace deal, its actions have contributed to the ongoing tensions. Trump’s warning to Iran and Hezbollah reflects the administration’s desire to minimize the involvement of all combatants in the peace process, ensuring that the agreement is not compromised by continued hostilities.
As the negotiations progress, the focus will shift to whether the deal can withstand the pressures of political and military maneuvering. With Iran and Israel both holding significant stakes in the agreement, the path to peace remains precarious. Trump’s appeal for restraint serves as a reminder of the stakes involved and the potential for lasting stability if all sides adhere to the terms.