TEHRAN: Iran’s chief negotiator has said there is “no point” in continuing negotiations with the United States following Israel’s latest strike on Beirut, a development that has further complicated efforts to secure a peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that a deal with Iran was expected to be signed on Sunday.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Israeli attack and accused the United States of bearing “direct responsibility” for what it described as Israel’s crimes. Tehran argued that Washington’s support for Israel made it accountable for the consequences of the strike.
Israel, however, defended the operation, saying it targeted a command centre operated by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israeli officials also claimed the strike was a response to Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel, which they described as unprovoked.
Lebanese authorities reported that at least three people were killed in the attack.
Reacting to the escalation, President Trump urged restraint on social media, writing, “Let’s not blow it!” He added that the Beirut strike “should not have happened,” particularly at a time when both sides appeared close to reaching a peace agreement.
Analysts noted that the timing of the attack is likely to draw scrutiny, as it occurred amid sensitive diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran.
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