US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that a peace deal to end the war with Iran could be reached within days.
His remarks coincide with a halt in hostilities between Iran and Israel, following a heavy exchange of missile attacks. The escalation has left the fragile ceasefire on the brink of collapse, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Deal in Final Stages
Speaking to reporters after attending the NBA Finals, Trump said that the US and Iran were “very close” to reaching a deal to end the war. He expected that the deal could be reached within “two or three days,” ruling out any sticking points.
“We’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape, or form nuclear weapons (for Iran),” he noted, adding that the Strait of Hormuz “will open up right away. It’ll open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days.”
Throughout the ongoing negotiations, Trump has repeatedly voiced optimism about being close to reaching a peace deal. However, progress in talks has often stalled over core sticking points, including control over the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran-Israel Hostilities
Iran and Israel announced on Monday they had halted hostilities after a tense exchange of strikes initiated by Tehran over the Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Iran targeted northern Israel with barrages of missiles late on Sunday, in the first strikes since a fragile ceasefire took effect between the US and Iran on April 8.
The Houthis also joined the fighting by launching a missile towards Israel and announcing they would again target Israel-affiliated vessels in the Red Sea.
Israel responded by striking targets in Iran, including the Karun petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, in southwestern Iran and a military center in Tabriz.
Trump’s Intervention
Trump told reporters that Iran and Israel had agreed to stop attacks because of him. “They were going back and forth (with strikes), and now they both agreed, through me, to stop,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced that Israel had accepted the US request to halt strikes on Iran, following a call with Trump. However, he said that attacks in Lebanon would continue.
In an interview with Axios on Monday, Trump said he warned Netanyahu he could find himself isolated if he pressed forward with attacks on Iran.
“I said, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon,” he was quoted as saying to Netanyahu.
Pakistani Optimism
Pakistan – a primary mediator to end the conflict between the US and Iran – has struck an upbeat tone regarding the ongoing peace negotiations.
In a statement on X, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the “final objective” in the ongoing talks is close to being achieved, urging all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint.
“As we work earnestly and painstakingly, together with our brothers and partners, to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance,” he stated.
“Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy which have bright prospects of success instead of violence and destruction!” he added.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran on Saturday to deliver a message from Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA.
Naqvi said that the message was of great importance, hoping that things would proceed well and reach a successful conclusion.
