Donald Trump condemned Sunday's Israeli strikes on Beirut, saying they shouldn't have occurred. He made the criticism on Truth Social just hours after the attack took place.
The U.S. president noted the timing was particularly problematic given ongoing peace negotiations with Iran. According to him, a deal to resolve the regional crisis was within reach.
"This morning's attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran," Trump wrote.
He acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense but questioned the necessity of the response. Trump stressed that the threat Israel was addressing posed minimal danger to the country.
"Nobody was hurt, injured, or killed, and should not disrupt this important process," he noted in the post.
Trump called on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation in the region. He urged both Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities immediately.
"There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel," the president stated.
He expressed optimism about prospects for lasting regional peace. "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace.
Let's not blow it," Trump concluded.
