WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a peace agreement aimed at ending the latest Middle East hostilities is close to completion, saying negotiations have entered their final phase following a pause in fighting between Iran and Israel.
Speaking to reporters after attending an NBA Finals game, Trump said both sides had agreed to halt attacks through diplomatic efforts led by his administration. He described the ongoing negotiations as being in their “final stages” and predicted that a breakthrough could come within the next two or three days.
The latest round of violence began after Iran launched missile strikes against Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks linked to Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel responded with strikes on military targets inside Iran despite Washington’s attempts to discourage further escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said the situation on the Iranian front had been brought under control, while Tehran also announced it had suspended its military operations. However, both countries warned they remain prepared to resume action if necessary.
US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that while Washington and Tel Aviv share broad strategic interests, their positions do not always coincide on every issue.
During the recent exchange, the Israeli military said Iran fired nearly 30 missiles toward Israel, while Iranian state media reported that two members of the country’s Air Defence Force were killed in Israeli strikes. No casualties were reported in Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group despite calls from Tehran to halt the attacks.
In a positive development, Iranian media reported that Tehran’s international airport, which had been closed during the missile exchanges, has reopened, allowing flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to resume operations.
