Key facts
- President Donald Trump criticized an Israeli strike on Beirut, calling it a disruption to a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal.
- Trump stated that despite the strike, a deal with Iran was very close to being finalized.
- The Israeli military stated Hezbollah launched projectiles into northern Israel, prompting Israeli strikes in Beirut that killed three people.
- Draft terms of the potential U.S.-Iran deal include the release of frozen Iranian assets and sanctions waivers in exchange for Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump urged de-escalation from all parties involved in the conflict.
- Hardline factions in Iran expressed opposition to the framework agreement.
US President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday amid renewed Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon and ongoing negotiations for a potential peace deal with Iran. Trump criticized the strike on Beirut, stating it should not have happened and could disrupt the peace process, but also indicated that an agreement was very close to being finalized.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the attack on Beirut was ill-timed and that all sides should stand down, emphasizing that a deal bringing peace to the region was imminent. This statement came as Iranian officials expressed doubts about the timing of the signing, even before the strike, and warned that the U.S. might lack the will to fulfill its commitments.
The Israeli military stated that Hezbollah had launched projectiles into northern Israel, and in response, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah positions in Beirut, resulting in three fatalities. A diplomat involved in the talks suggested these strikes were an attempt to sabotage the U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Draft terms of the proposed agreement, as described by sources, include the U.S. releasing $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and waiving sanctions on oil exports in exchange for Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran would agree not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons during an initial 60-day period of talks, with the ultimate goal of dismantling its nuclear program. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. naval blockade on Iran would end upon signing, contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening, and that sufficient military force would remain in the region.