Rights group says Israel tried to sabotage US-Iran talks by striking Beirut

The US-based rights group DAWN accused Israel of attempting to sabotage emerging negotiations between the United States and Iran by carrying out strikes in Beirut that triggered an escalation and contributed to a broader regional escalation.

In a statement, Omar Shakir, DAWN’s executive director, said reports of US displeasure with Israeli actions would have little impact unless Washington used what he described as its leverage, including arms transfers and intelligence cooperation.

"The U.S. must use its leverage—suspending arms transfers and intelligence—to stop Israel's aggression and end the war," DAWN said.

Israel tried to sabotage an emerging U.S.-Iran agreement by striking Beirut and triggering an escalation. The U.S. must use its leverage—suspending arms transfers and intelligence—to stop Israel's aggression and end the war, DAWN says.

Read our statement: https://t.co/OTA9zuC5l7 pic.twitter.com/YqHQOm9AfI

— DAWN MENA (@DAWNmenaorg) June 8, 2026