Trump calls for no more attacks, vows Mideast peace deal is still on

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday broke with Israel over its strikes on Beirut, saying the attack "should not have happened" and calling on all sides to stand down. Trump vowed that a regional peace deal, which he had expected to be signed that day, was still within reach. Israel struck Beirut's southern suburbs earlier in the day, killing three people.

What did Trump say about the Israel Lebanon attacks on Sunday?

Trump said the Beirut strike "should not have happened, particularly on a special day," in what appeared to be a reference to his hopes of signing a peace deal on Sunday, his 80th birthday. He called on Israel to halt further strikes in Lebanon and urged all parties, including Hezbollah, to stop attacking Israel. He said the exchange "should not disrupt" progress toward an agreement.

How close is a Mideast peace deal according to Trump?

Trump said the U.S. was "very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon." On Saturday, he had said the framework accord was scheduled to be signed on Sunday, though he did not confirm that timeline on the day itself. He urged all parties not to jeopardize the process, writing: "This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace. Let's not blow it."

Does Iran's government support continuing peace talks with the U.S.?

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that Iran's Supreme National Security Council had concluded that the "path of dialogue should be pursued." The statement came after hardliners had criticized Tehran's negotiating team. Pezeshkian noted that the council holds authority over decisions regarding both war and negotiations.