Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday as Iranian and U.S. officials expressed cautious optimism about reaching a diplomatic agreement, drawing accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to undermine ongoing negotiations.
The Israeli military said its operation targeted a five-story residential building in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel. Lebanese authorities confirmed at least three fatalities and several injuries in the strike.
The timing of the Beirut bombing coincided with reports that U.S. President Donald Trump expected a memorandum of understanding to be finalized imminently, potentially paving the way for formal negotiations to conclude the conflict Trump initiated in February. While Trump indicated the MOU could be signed the same day, Iranian officials offered more measured assessments, though Iran’s foreign minister stated an agreement had “never been closer.”
The Associated Press reported that the Beirut strikes risked derailing preliminary talks, which Israeli officials have described as “a deep disappointment” for their government’s security concerns.
This marked the latest escalation in the region, following similar Israeli strikes on Beirut’s suburbs the previous week that triggered the most significant exchange of hostilities between Iran and Israel since a fragile ceasefire took effect on April 7.
Experts and former officials have questioned Israel’s motivations. Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, suggested on social media that the targeting of Beirut appeared designed to obstruct the emerging U.S.-Iran deal, asking why the Trump administration continues to support what he termed “obstructionism.”
Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf characterized the strikes as evidence that the U.S. lacks the authority or intent to uphold its commitments in future agreements, stating, “You cannot gain concessions by giving [Israel] a green light.”
Details of the proposed MOU, as reported by Reuters, include Iran agreeing to maintain its current nuclear program posture and refrain from expanding enrichment activities, while the U.S. would lift oil sanctions, reopen Iranian ports, and release $25 billion in frozen assets. A final comprehensive agreement would be negotiated within 60 days following MOU adoption. The deal would also involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the proposed 60-day ceasefire extension would extend to Lebanon, reflecting broader regional implications of the negotiations.
Axios reported that Netanyahu has been seeking information on U.S.-Iran talks through Israeli allies in the administration. Following Sunday’s strike, Trump told Axios correspondent Barak Ravid that Netanyahu “has no fucking judgment,” adding that he had communicated his displeasure directly to the Israeli prime minister despite ongoing U.S. military support for Israel.
Regional analysts warn the pattern of Israeli military actions could continue unless checked. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft cautioned that Netanyahu appears deliberately undermining the diplomatic process and that without consequences, further interference is likely.