Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has accused the United States and Israel of relying on an outdated “good cop, bad cop” strategy, arguing that Washington’s diplomatic efforts are undermined by Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon.
His remarks came on Sunday following an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut that reportedly killed at least three people and injured 15 others, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted a Hezbollah command center.
The attack occurred just as Washington and Tehran were expected to move closer to a broader agreement aimed at reducing regional tensions. Iran has consistently maintained that any deal with the United States must include an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Reports have suggested that some Israeli officials view the proposed agreement as overly favorable to Tehran.
Commenting on the strike, Ghalibaf wrote on X that Israel’s actions demonstrated the shortcomings of the US approach. “The Zionists’ invasion of Dahiyeh has once again shown that America either lacks the will to fulfill its commitments or the ability to do so,” he said, criticizing Washington’s handling of the situation.
US President Donald Trump also reacted to the attack, saying on Truth Social that it “should not have happened.” He urged both Israel and Hezbollah to halt further exchanges, adding that the sides were “very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon.”
Hours after the strike, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and the April 8 ceasefire understanding reached between Tehran and Washington. The ministry accused the United States of bearing “direct responsibility” for Israel’s actions and warned that the attack could jeopardize regional peace and security.
The developments come after Trump announced on Saturday that the US and Iran were expected to finalize an agreement addressing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei later said the agreement would not be signed immediately, although it could be concluded in the coming days. Tehran also emphasized that discussions on its nuclear program and fissile material would not be part of the current negotiations, which remain focused on ending hostilities and addressing the situation in Lebanon.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have remained high in recent months, with both sides exchanging strikes following earlier violations of the ceasefire.