Trump Says Iran-Israel Peace Deal Is in Final Stage

US President Donald Trump has claimed that a peace agreement between Iran and Israel is nearing its final stage after months of tension in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said negotiations between the two sides had entered a decisive phase after the latest round of hostility slowed down. He described the process as being close to a “very good deal” and indicated that a conclusion could come within days or weeks. Although Trump has repeatedly claimed in the past that a peace deal with Tehran was close, diplomatic efforts have been disrupted several times. Even after a ceasefire that came into effect on April 8, limited firing and tension between the two sides reportedly continued. Trump said Iran and Israel had gone through repeated cycles of attack and counterattack, but both sides were now in a position where they had agreed to stop from their side.

Iran has maintained that any agreement must include the issue of Lebanon, while Israel has continued military pressure against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Reports said a missile was fired into Israel on Sunday, prompting an Israeli response. Iran later announced that it would stop military action, but another missile launch was reported within hours. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the situation on that front was under control and warned that Israel would respond with full force if Iran attacked again. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also said military operations in Lebanon would continue. Trump had earlier urged both Israel and Iran to immediately stop firing and reportedly warned Netanyahu by phone to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said the strategic interests of the United States and Israel mostly align, though they may differ in some cases. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 14 people were killed in Israeli strikes, while the Israeli military said it intercepted projectiles fired toward its forces and reported no casualties. Diplomatic efforts are continuing, with mediators including Pakistan said to be active in the peace process. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said diplomacy remains ongoing but warned that fighting could affect it, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran and the negotiating table remain open.