▲ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israel's airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on June 14 (local time), and called for restraint from all parties, including Israel.
In a phone interview with the U.S. media outlet Axios on the same day, President Trump emphasized that discussions between the U.S. and Iran regarding a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war remain valid, despite Israel's airstrike near Beirut and Iran's threats of retaliation.
"It shook things up. It delayed the signing by a few hours," President Trump said. "We were supposed to sign it by now, but it has been pushed back by a few hours."
This is interpreted as an indication that while the negotiations faced a temporary setback due to the Israeli airstrike, he maintains his previous outlook that the signing of the peace agreement could still take place later that day.
President Trump also acknowledged that Hezbollah had attacked Israel first, but stated that the attack caused no damage and resulted in no casualties.
Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said, "Why did he have to do that damn attack? I was really angry," adding, "It was an hour before we were going to sign."
He also strongly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, saying he had "no damn judgment."
Prior to this, President Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that "(Israel's) attack on Beirut this morning should not have happened," adding, "Especially on a special day when we are very close to a peace deal with Iran."
President Trump had previously announced that an MOU to end the war with Iran would be signed on this day, which also marks his 80th birthday.
Iran maintains that while the signing of the MOU is imminent, the date for the signing has not yet been decided.
It appears that President Trump intended to send a message that Israel's airstrike on Lebanon in such a critical situation should not hinder the peace agreement that is on the verge of being signed.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it responded to was very small and meaningless. No one was hurt," President Trump pointed out. "It should not interfere with this important process."
Israel carried out the airstrike on June 14, claiming that Hezbollah, a pro-Iranian militant group in Lebanon, had sent three drones into its airspace.
Lebanese media reported that at least three people were killed and 15 were injured in the airstrike.
"We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to this region, including Lebanon," President Trump reiterated, urging that "all parties must exercise restraint."
He continued, "There should be no more Israeli attacks anywhere in Lebanon. No other party, including Hezbollah, should attack Israel anymore," adding, "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace. Let's not blow it."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.