US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that a peace deal with Iran was still on track to be signed within hours, despite an Israeli strike on Beirut that he claimed delayed the plan. In a phone call to Axios, Trump expressed anger at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the attack, which killed three people in Beirut's southern suburbs.
Trump's Reaction to Israeli Strike
Trump told Axios that the attack shook up the deal and delayed the signing by a few hours. He fumed at Netanyahu, saying, "It is so bad — I couldn't believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal." Using expletives, Trump said he let Netanyahu know his disapproval, questioning why the strike was necessary.
Iran's Response
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf questioned the point of continuing peace talks, stating that the attack showed the US either lacks the will or ability to implement its commitments. However, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that the Supreme National Security Council supported pursuing dialogue despite criticism from hard-liners.
US and Mediator Efforts
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he did not expect the Israeli attack to disrupt progress toward a deal, stating, "From all I know, we are on track. It is not a matter of if. It is a matter of when." A delegation from mediator Qatar was in Tehran to help facilitate the finalization of the agreement.
Sticking Points in Negotiations
Key issues include control over the Strait of Hormuz and the fate of Iran's nuclear program. Iran insists on maintaining control over the strait, while the US finds this unacceptable. Regarding nuclear uranium, Trump previously said the US would remove and destroy the enriched material, but Iran's foreign minister stated that the only way to deal with it is to dilute it inside Iran.
Despite the tensions, Trump remains optimistic, urging all sides not to "blow it" and emphasizing that a deal is close. The attack on Beirut, however, has cast doubt on the timeline, with Iran signaling that no agreement will be signed within the timeframe announced by Trump.
