US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying an Israeli airstrike in Beirut nearly disrupted the agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran.
According to Trump, the strike on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon delayed the signing of the understanding and threatened weeks of diplomatic efforts designed to reduce tensions across the Middle East.
Speaking to several American media outlets, Trump said he was angered after learning about the Israeli operation and contacted Netanyahu directly.
The US president stated that the attack risked undermining negotiations that had been progressing toward a framework agreement with Iran. Trump later described Netanyahu as "a very difficult guy" and suggested Israel should recognize the role played by the United States in facilitating the negotiations.
Trump also argued that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains essential to Israel's security and regional stability.
According to Trump's remarks, the Beirut strike forced negotiators to postpone the signing of the agreement for several hours.
He indicated that the initial understanding would be completed electronically, while an in-person ceremony involving both sides is expected to take place in Europe on June 19.
Reports also indicated that Trump communicated with intermediaries in Iran in an effort to discourage retaliation and preserve the diplomatic process.
Although the framework agreement represents a significant diplomatic step, several major issues remain unresolved.
Negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and broader regional security arrangements are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The proposed agreement also includes provisions aimed at restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and reducing hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
However, details regarding implementation and long-term commitments have not yet been fully disclosed.
The latest developments underscore the fragile nature of diplomacy in the Middle East, where military actions can quickly affect broader negotiations.
Analysts note that maintaining communication between all parties will be essential to ensuring that the current understanding evolves into a lasting agreement.
Despite the tensions created by the Beirut strike, diplomatic efforts appear to be moving forward, with attention now focused on the upcoming signing ceremony and subsequent negotiations over issues that have long complicated relations between Washington and Tehran.
As leaders seek to transform the current framework into a durable peace arrangement, the coming weeks are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the latest breakthrough can deliver greater stability across the region.
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