Key points
- Talks continue despite renewed missile exchanges and strikes across Iran, Israel, and Lebanon
- Pakistan-led diplomacy accelerates as the Interior Minister delivers a final message to Tehran
ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump said early Tuesday that a deal with Iran could be reached within “one or two days”, adding that negotiations with Tehran continued throughout the recent escalation in hostilities and were progressing positively. The remarks came hours after Iran and Israel agreed to halt attacks that had threatened to undermine a fragile ceasefire.
Trump, speaking to reporters after returning from an NBA Finals game, said both sides had agreed through US mediation to halt further escalation and suggested that a deal could be concluded within “two or three days”.
He described the process as being in its final phase and called the expected outcome a “very, very good deal”.
He has repeatedly said an agreement with Tehran is close. However, diplomacy has apparently stalled for weeks as both sides continue to accuse each other of violations despite a ceasefire in place since April 8.
Iran and Israel recently exchanged limited strikes, including missile fire from Tehran and retaliatory Israeli attacks on Iranian military targets.
Israeli officials said nearly 30 missiles were fired, with no immediate casualties reported on either side.
Tehran has insisted any agreement must also include the situation in Lebanon, where Israel has intensified operations against Hezbollah.
Iran fired missiles at Israel on Sunday, prompting Israeli retaliation despite US calls for restraint.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said the “fire on that front is contained”, though both sides continued issuing warnings of further escalation.
Iran warned it would strike again if Israeli operations in Lebanon persisted, while Israel said it would respond with “full force” to any renewed Iranian attacks.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said military operations in Lebanon would continue regardless of diplomatic developments and indicated strikes on Hezbollah-linked areas in southern Beirut would follow attacks on northern Israel.
According to Axios, Israel had been preparing a larger wave of strikes on Iran before Trump personally urged Netanyahu to de-escalate. Trump reportedly warned him that continued escalation could leave Israel “on its own very soon”.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington and Israel share strategic interests but do not always align, noting that differences occasionally emerge in approach.
Violence also continued in southern Lebanon, where at least 14 people were killed in Israeli strikes, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The Israeli military said projectiles were launched toward its forces operating in the south, with some intercepted and others landing without causing casualties. Israel also reported intercepting a suspected aerial target launched from Yemen.
Despite tensions, Tehran remained relatively calm, with cafes open and traffic lighter than usual. Queues formed at petrol stations as residents monitored developments.
In Tel Aviv, sirens sent residents into shelters, with civilians describing uncertainty over whether the latest escalation would remain brief or expand into wider conflict.
Iranian authorities later reopened Tehran’s international airport after its closure during missile exchanges, allowing flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to land.
The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, putting pressure on global energy markets. Oil prices, which had risen more than five per cent earlier in the week, eased on Tuesday as traders reassessed risk levels.
Diplomatic efforts remain active, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said talks were continuing despite ongoing clashes, warning that fighting could affect negotiations.
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently visited Tehran to deliver what officials described as a “special letter” to Iran’s leadership before returning to Islamabad.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained “at the negotiating table”, signalling continued engagement despite escalating tensions.
