The Trump administration is working to finalize a peace deal with Iran despite escalating military exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon that threaten to derail diplomatic efforts.

President Trump warned both Israel and Iran on Sunday not to "blow" the emerging agreement, writing on Truth Social that "we are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down." The warning came after Israel launched a series of strikes in Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the strikes between Hezbollah and Israel would not impact the U.S.-Iran peace deal, stating "from all I know, we are on track. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when." The administration expects to finalize the agreement through an electronic signing process.

However, skepticism remains among some lawmakers and former officials. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned the deal's prospects, claiming Trump has said the countries were close to an agreement "38 or 39 different times." Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman expressed doubt about a reported 60-day timeframe for nuclear negotiations, calling it "a pretty short period of time."

Sen. Deb Fischer defended Israel's actions in Lebanon, saying "Israel is defending its country, and it's defending its people" and expressing doubt that Israel was trying to "scuttle" the U.S.-Iran deal. The Republican senator emphasized understanding Israel's security concerns amid the regional tensions.

The diplomatic efforts come as military activities in the region continue to escalate, creating challenges for the peace negotiations that the Trump administration has characterized as imminent.