Trump Warns Israel and Iran ‘Don’t Blow It’ as New Strikes Threaten Emerging Peace Deal
WASHINGTON/DUBAI — President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to both Israel and Iran, urging them not to "blow it" after a new round of military strikes threatened to derail an emerging ceasefire and peace agreement that U.S. officials say is close to completion.
The latest tensions erupted after Israeli forces carried out strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets near Beirut, killing at least three people and prompting fears of retaliation from Iran and its regional allies. The attack came at a sensitive moment as Washington, Tehran, Pakistan and Qatar have been working to finalize a framework aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a message posted on social media, Trump criticized the timing of the Israeli operation and warned all sides against taking actions that could destroy the diplomatic progress achieved in recent weeks.
"Let's not blow it," Trump said, while also urging Hezbollah and Iran not to respond with further attacks.
The president remains publicly optimistic that an agreement can still be signed, despite growing doubts from Tehran. Iranian officials have questioned Washington's ability to restrain Israel and suggested the latest Beirut strike raises concerns about U.S. commitment to peace efforts.
A draft framework under discussion reportedly includes commitments by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, steps toward easing economic restrictions, and measures to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors. However, major disagreements remain unresolved, particularly over Lebanon, sanctions relief, and Iran's regional influence.
The latest flare-up highlights Trump's increasingly difficult balancing act. While pressing for a historic diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran, he has also been trying to prevent Israeli military actions from triggering another wider regional conflict. Trump has repeatedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint in recent weeks as negotiations continue.
Analysts say the next 24 to 48 hours could determine whether the proposed agreement moves forward or whether renewed military escalation pushes the region back toward a broader war.