United States President Donald Trump says a deal involving Iran is now within reach, expressing confidence that an agreement could be finalized within days and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters late Monday, Trump said negotiations were in their final stages and described the expected outcome as a strong agreement that could reduce tensions across the region.
“We’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal,” Trump said, adding that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz could reopen immediately after an agreement is signed.
His comments came after Israel and Iran paused attacks following their most serious military exchange since a ceasefire took effect in April.
The latest flare-up began after Israeli air strikes on Beirut on Sunday. Iran, which has repeatedly linked regional peace efforts to developments in Lebanon, responded with missile attacks targeting northern Israel.
According to reports, Trump personally urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate. Despite that appeal, Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets early Monday, hitting air defence systems and a petrochemical facility.
Iran responded by targeting a similar facility in Haifa and two Israeli air bases. No deaths were reported in the exchange.
Trump has increasingly signaled frustration with continued escalation, warning that further military action could jeopardize diplomatic efforts.
He reportedly told Netanyahu to exercise caution and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing negotiations.
Netanyahu, however, defended Israel’s actions, insisting the country would continue to exercise its right to self-defence and respond to any future attacks.
Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter sought to downplay reports of friction between the two allies, saying disagreements between close partners were not unusual.
Meanwhile, Iran continued to accuse Washington of bearing responsibility for regional tensions, arguing that the United States plays a central role in ceasefire negotiations and developments across the Middle East.
Despite the renewed violence, diplomatic contacts remain active. Iranian officials say indirect discussions with Washington are continuing through mediators, including Pakistan, with both sides exchanging proposals aimed at reaching a broader agreement.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed that intensive diplomatic efforts are ongoing and urged all parties to avoid actions that could derail progress toward peace.
While Israel and Iran have paused direct attacks for now, violence continues elsewhere in the region.
DDM reported that the Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a ban on Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea and claimed responsibility for missile launches toward Israel. In Lebanon, Israeli air strikes killed several people in the south of the country, underscoring the fragile nature of the current calm.
For now, negotiators are racing to transform a shaky ceasefire into a lasting agreement, with Trump insisting a breakthrough may be only days away.
