Bombings Continue in Lebanon Following US-Iran Agreement Announcement; Trump Criticizes Offensive

Bombings Continue in Lebanon Following US-Iran Agreement Announcement; Trump Criticizes Offensive

The escalation of violence in Lebanon has shown no respite over the last few hours, frustrating expectations raised by the announcement of a 60-day preliminary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Far from a cessation of hostilities, the Beirut region and the south of the country were targets of heavy bombings, confirming the local population's worst fears of skepticism and insecurity.

Sunday's attack against the southern suburbs of Beirut (Dahiyeh) and border villages occurred during the same period the diplomatic pact was disclosed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) confirmed casualties and material destruction resulting from the offensives.

Trump's Reaction and Israel's Refusal

The offensive on Sunday in the Lebanese capital triggered immediate diplomatic friction. In a public social media post, Donald Trump criticized Israel's action, stating the bombing "should not have happened, particularly on a special day where we are so close to a Peace Agreement with Iran," and appealed for all sides to back down.

Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that Israel does not consider itself bound by the terms of the understanding between Washington and Tehran. In a statement, the Israeli government affirmed it will maintain its troops deployed in southern Lebanon and that attacks will continue as a direct response to ongoing drone and rocket launches operated by Hezbollah.

Alert to the Population and Diplomatic Impasse

Given the persistence of the bombings, the Lebanese Army command issued an emergency advisory, instructing displaced citizens not to return to their homes in the border regions, warning of the imminent risk of further attacks.

The government of Iran expressed strong dissatisfaction with Israel's stance, going as far as threatening to halt talks under the argument that any lasting truce must encompass Lebanese territory. Despite the violence on the ground and the military impasse, mediating countries are maintaining preparations for the formal signing of the treaty to take place this coming Friday in Geneva, Switzerland.