Trump slams Israel’s ‘meaningless’ Lebanon strikes, says Iran deal is ‘very close’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump delivered one of his strongest public criticisms of Israel in months on Sunday, June 14, condemning an Israeli strike on Beirut and warning that military action could jeopardize what he described as a nearly completed peace agreement with Iran.
In a remarkable Truth Social post, Trump argued that Israel's response was disproportionate, unnecessary and poorly timed, saying the attack targeted Lebanon at the very moment negotiators were closing in on a breakthrough that could reshape the Middle East.
His comments immediately raised questions about growing tensions between Washington's diplomatic strategy and Israel's military campaign.
Trump slams Israel's strikes in Lebanon
Trump's frustration was unmistakable. "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," he wrote.
While reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself, Trump openly dismissed the significance of the incident that triggered the strike.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless," he said.
He went even further, arguing that the alleged provocation had caused virtually no damage.
"Nobody was hurt, injured, or killed and should not disrupt this important process."
The unusually direct criticism marked a notable departure from Trump's frequent defense of Israeli military actions.
Iranian Parliament speaker Ghalibaf weighed in on the Beirut strikes as well:
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) June 14, 2026
“The Zionists' incursion into Dahiyeh has once again shown that America either lacks the will to fulfill its commitments or the ability to do so. By giving the green light to the regime, you cannot…
Trump prioritizes peace deal
At the heart of Trump's message was a clear warning: military escalation risks destroying a diplomatic opportunity that he believes is within reach.
"We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon," Trump wrote.
He urged all sides to pull back before the situation spiraled further.
"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."
Trump framed the current moment as a rare opening for broader regional stability. "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace, Let's not blow it!"
🚨The Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah terror targets in the Dahiya area of Beirut on Sunday afternoon in response to the drone attacks on Israel earlier in the day.
— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) June 14, 2026
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz issued a joint statement saying that… pic.twitter.com/aBKeYtOHOp
Deadly strikes hit Beirut
Trump's comments came hours after Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs, an area widely viewed as a Hezbollah stronghold.
Lebanese authorities reported that at least three people were killed and several others were injured in the attacks.
Emergency crews continued rescue operations as damage assessments unfolded across the targeted neighborhoods.
Israel said the strikes were aimed at Hezbollah positions and were launched in response to projectiles fired toward northern Israel.
Israeli officials described the rocket launches as a violation of existing ceasefire understandings.
The exchange marked another escalation in a conflict that has repeatedly threatened to spill across the region.
