US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Israeli strike on Beirut should not have taken place, particularly at a time when efforts towards a peace deal with Iran were nearing completion.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said Israel had the right to defend itself against threats, but termed the attack it responded to as minor and insignificant. He claimed no one was hurt, injured or killed in the incident.
Trump said the United States was very close to an agreement that would bring peace to the region, including Lebanon, and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
He said there should be no further Israeli attacks anywhere in Lebanon, while adding that no other party, including Hezbollah, should carry out attacks against Israel.
Trump said the proposed agreement could mark the beginning of a lasting peace and urged all sides not to jeopardise the opportunity.
Israeli strikes on Beirut
It is pertinent to note that Israel fired missiles at Beirut shortly before the signing of a memorandum of understanding, in what Iranian officials described as an attempt to undermine the negotiation process.
Three Lebanese people were killed and six others injured in the strike. An international news agency reported that several buildings were damaged in the attack. The Israeli military stated that a Hezbollah command centre was the target.
The Israeli prime minister and defence minister confirmed the strikes on Beirut. Israel had assured United States President Donald Trump only days earlier that it would not carry out attacks on the Lebanese capital.
Iran stresses inclusive regional security
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that regional security cannot be established by ignoring Iran.
In a statement, he clarified that any new security framework should be based on the inclusion of all countries and collective cooperation. He noted that sustainable security, economic development and regional stability can only be achieved through mutual cooperation.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei has added that, at this stage, no clause relating to the nuclear programme is included in the memorandum of understanding. He indicated that signing of the agreement may take place within the next one or two days.
It is reported that uncertainty continues over when a US-Iran understanding memorandum will be signed. According to Al Arabiya, the United States and Iran are expected to sign the memorandum today. The virtual meeting is being held under the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, with US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expected to participate.
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