Trump Attacks Netanyahu Over Beirut Strike, But Iran Deal 'Still On'
President Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over an airstrike on Beirut timed just before a planned Iran peace deal signing, calling Netanyahu 'very difficult' and questioning his judgment while insisting the nuclear agreement will proceed.
Breaking Point in Negotiations
Trump said he was shocked when his advisers called to brief him about the Israeli strike in Beirut, stating "It is so bad — I couldn't believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal." The strike occurred as both Washington and Tehran were finalizing terms for a comprehensive peace agreement to end their months-long conflict.
Trump's Blunt Criticism
Trump vented his frustration, asking "Why did Bibi have to do a fucking attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no fucking judgement." In a separate interview with the Times of Israel, Trump called Netanyahu "a very difficult guy" and told him he "should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn't be around for two hours."
The Deal Framework
Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, followed by a two-week ceasefire and continuation of U.S. blockade until negotiations conclude. If Iran fails to reach a final nuclear accord, Trump threatened to restart military attacks on Tehran or make the United States "the guardian of the Middle East" in return for 20% of the region's revenues.
Regional Implications
Iran's military claimed it "humiliated" the United States and Israel, saying Iranian forces "have demonstrated with strength that the enemy has no path other than accepting defeat and surrender." Trump told the Times in an interview that the agreement he reached with Iran would ultimately assure that the Strait of Hormuz is "permanently toll free."
The deal is expected to be signed this Friday by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, though Netanyahu's continued military actions threaten to derail the agreement.