U.S. President Donald Trump has called for restraint in the Middle East after Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that further escalation could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader regional peace agreement.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the Israeli strike “should not have happened,” particularly at a time when negotiations involving Iran were reportedly making significant progress. While reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself, he argued that the incident which prompted the military response was minor and did not justify a major escalation.
Trump urged all parties to avoid further military action, stressing that peace efforts remain at a critical stage. He stated that there should be no additional attacks by Israel inside Lebanon and no further attacks by Hezbollah against Israel. Describing the current situation as a potential opportunity for long-term stability, Trump said regional actors should not jeopardize the possibility of a broader peace settlement.
The comments came shortly after the Israeli military conducted an airstrike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, a southern suburb widely regarded as a stronghold of Hezbollah. According to Israeli authorities, the target was a building allegedly functioning as a Hezbollah headquarters. Footage released by the Israeli Air Force showed a large explosion engulfing the structure following what it described as a precision strike.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the attack hit an apartment building in the Ghobeiry neighborhood within the densely populated Dahiyeh area.
The strike occurs amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been engaged in conflict since March. The latest developments come as international mediators continue efforts to prevent a wider regional confrontation involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.
Trump’s intervention highlights growing concern among global leaders that renewed military action could derail ongoing diplomatic initiatives and further destabilize an already volatile region.
