As U.S. President Donald Trump prepared to celebrate his 80th birthday at the White House, a long-anticipated peace deal with Iran aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz was nearly finalized. However, just hours before the signing, Israeli warplanes struck Beirut, killing at least three people. Trump publicly condemned the attack on Truth Social, calling it ill-timed, and later had a heated phone exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly using harsh language.

The incident exposed growing tensions between the two leaders after more than three months of war with Iran. Trump, facing domestic pressure ahead of the November midterm elections, sought to end the conflict and lower oil prices, while Netanyahu insisted on continuing the fight until Iran’s defeat. Analysts noted that Netanyahu’s political future depends on the war’s outcome, with Israeli elections due in October and public opinion demanding Hezbollah’s destruction.

Talks between the U.S. and Iran remain uncertain after the Beirut strike, with the situation now hinging on developments in Lebanon and whether Iran can restrain Hezbollah.