An Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah's stronghold in the Dahiya neighborhood of southern Beirut has threatened the peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which President Donald Trump had intended to sign on the same day, coinciding with his 80th birthday.
Israel targeted what it described as a Hezbollah "command center" in the Ghobeiri area, launching at least four laser-guided missiles that struck a residential building. According to Lebanon's official news agency NNA, the attack resulted in at least three fatalities and 15 injuries, along with significant damage to nearby buildings and businesses.
Iran's response was immediate and forceful. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the head of Iran's negotiating delegation and the speaker of the parliament, took to social media to declare that continuing talks was "pointless."
"The Zionists' aggression against Dahieh has once again shown that the United States either lacks the will or the capability to fulfill its commitments," Qalibaf stated.
"If you lack the will or the ability to meet your commitments, then it is futile to discuss moving forward on this path," he added.
A senior Iranian military official also warned that the attack would not go "unanswered."
President Trump, meanwhile, made a rare public rebuke of Israel's action on his Truth Social platform, criticizing the strike on his key regional ally.
"This morning's attack in Beirut should not have happened, especially on such a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran," Trump wrote.
While acknowledging that "Israel has the right to defend itself from threats," Trump described the prior aggression that prompted the airstrike as "insignificant and inconsequential" and urged both sides not to squander the diplomatic opportunity.
"There should be no more Israeli attacks anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks from any group, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the start of a long and beautiful peace. Let's not ruin it!" he concluded.
Israel, on its part, dismissed the Iranian allegations. The Israeli Defense Minister cautioned that any attempts to link the Lebanese front with Iran would be met with "a powerful response."
Key Sticking Points in Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations face four major sticking points: Iran's nuclear program, control of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and Lebanon's inclusion in the deal. A leaked 14-point draft by Iran's Mehr agency includes Iran's right to uranium enrichment and the unfreezing of $24 billion in Iranian assets held abroad.
Iran had already halted negotiations on June 1 due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and retaliated on June 11 by striking U.S. bases, further straining diplomatic channels.
This Sunday, a delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran to push forward the discussions, while Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai had indicated on Saturday that the agreement would not be signed that day, although he did not rule out the possibility of it happening "in the coming days."
According to the Lebanese government, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 3,700 deaths since March, amid a conflict that began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel from Lebanese territory.
Frequently Asked Questions About the US-Iran Peace Deal
What triggered the recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut?
Israel targeted a Hezbollah "command center" in the Dahiya neighborhood, claiming it was necessary for self-defense against Hezbollah's activities.
How has Iran responded to the Israeli attack?
Iran's response was swift, with officials declaring that continuing peace negotiations with the US was "pointless" and warning that the attack would not go unanswered.
What is the status of the US-Iran peace negotiations?
The negotiations are currently strained due to the recent Israeli airstrike and Iran's retaliatory actions. However, discussions are ongoing with efforts being made to overcome the sticking points.