US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said negotiations aimed at securing a peace agreement in the Middle East were in the “final throes,” following renewed diplomatic efforts between Iran and Israel after fresh hostilities threatened to reignite months of conflict.
Mr Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters after returning from an NBA Finals game, expressing optimism that ongoing negotiations could produce a breakthrough within days.
“Iran and Israel were going back and forth and now they both agreed through me to stop and we’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal,” Mr Trump said.
When asked whether the agreement could be reached within days or weeks, the US President replied, “two or three days.”
Ceasefire faces fresh strain
Although a ceasefire has officially remained in place since 8 April, tensions resurfaced after Iran and Israel exchanged attacks over the weekend.
Tehran has repeatedly insisted that any broader regional agreement must also address the conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Iran reportedly launched missiles towards Israel on Sunday, prompting retaliatory strikes despite pressure from Washington urging restraint.
Iran later announced it was halting military action, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “the fire on that front is contained.”
However, Tehran warned it would retaliate again if Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued.
Trump, Netanyahu differ over military response
Mr Trump reportedly urged both sides to stop “shooting” and allow peace negotiations to continue, warning that diplomatic progress could be derailed by “ignorance or stupidity.”
According to reports, the US President personally contacted Mr Netanyahu to discourage a planned wave of strikes against Iran.
“I said, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon,’” Mr Trump reportedly told Axios.
Despite the intervention, Mr Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, insisting the country retained the right to self-defence.
“We are exercising it as required,” the Israeli leader stated.
US Vice President JD Vance also acknowledged that while Washington and Israel share common interests, their priorities do not always fully align.
Deadly violence continues in Lebanon
While no casualties were reported in the latest Iran-Israel missile exchanges, violence persisted in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes killed at least 14 people on Monday amid ongoing operations targeting Hezbollah-linked positions.
The Israeli military said projectiles had been launched toward its troops operating in southern Lebanon, while additional aerial threats from Yemen were reportedly intercepted.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Despite fears of escalation, Iranian President Masoud Pezehskian said Tehran remained committed to diplomacy.
“We are still at the negotiating table,” Mr Pezehskian wrote on X.
Pakistan has also intensified mediation efforts, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visiting Tehran to deliver what was described as a “special letter” to Iran’s leadership.
The conflict has continued to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and affected global oil markets, although crude prices eased slightly on Tuesday after sharp increases earlier in the week.
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