President Trump [AFP=Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israel's airstrike on the southern outskirts of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, on the 14th (local time) and urged all parties, including Israel, to exercise restraint.

Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that day, "The attack on Beirut this morning should not have happened. This is especially true on a special day when we are very close to a peace agreement with Iran."

Trump had announced that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for peace with Iran would be signed on this day, which was also his 80th birthday. Iran's position is that while the signing of the MOU is imminent, the signing date is undecided.

It appears that Trump sent a message that the peace agreement, on the verge of being signed, should not be disrupted by Israel's airstrike on Lebanon at such a crucial juncture.

Trump pointed out, "Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it responded with was very small and insignificant. No one was hurt. This important process (U.S.-Iran MOU signing) should not be interfered with."

Israel carried out the airstrike on the 14th, citing that the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon had sent three drones into its airspace. Lebanese media reported that at least three people were killed and 15 were injured in the airstrike.

Trump reiterated, "We are very close to an agreement that will bring peace to this region, including Lebanon," and said, "All parties must exercise restraint."

He added, "There should be no more Israeli attacks anywhere in Lebanon. No other party, including Hezbollah, should attack Israel further. This could be the start of a long and beautiful peace. Let's not waste the opportunity," urging restraint.