WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has blamed Israel for causing a brief disruption in the timeline of a proposed US-Iran agreement, telling American media outlet Axios that the deal remains on track despite recent regional tensions.
According to Trump, the agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran was still expected to move forward on Sunday, although he said Israel’s strike in Beirut had forced a short delay in the signing process.
He described the Israeli action as a disruption that “shook it up,” claiming it pushed the signing back by a few hours. Trump said the deal had originally been scheduled for completion earlier but was now expected “a few hours from now.”
Speaking to Axios in a phone conversation, Trump said he was surprised when his advisers informed him about the Israeli strike in Beirut, adding that he reacted strongly upon receiving the news and expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He said the timing of the strike was particularly concerning, noting that it occurred just an hour before the expected signing of the agreement, which he described as “so bad” and difficult to believe.
Axios reported that Trump said the deal would still benefit Israel, arguing that it would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He added that the agreement would require the removal of nuclear materials and allow for snap inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities to ensure compliance.