In a significant development, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that an agreement with Iran might be reached “over the next week.” This comes after he personally intervened to de-escalate tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, a conflict that threatened to undermine negotiations.
During a phone interview with ABC News, Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing talks with Tehran, stating they were “looking good.” He explained that the progress had faced a brief “glitch” due to Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict included threats by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to target Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut following intensified attacks on northern Israel.
“LOOKING GOOD, LOOKING GOOD,” TRUMP TOLD ABC NEWS CHIEF WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT JONATHAN KARL.
Trump further described his intervention, stating, “I spoke with Hezbollah, and I said no shooting, and I talked to Bibi [Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu] and said no shooting, and they both stopped shooting each other.”
The situation escalated earlier on Monday when Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported Tehran’s suspension of indirect exchanges with the U.S. due to Israeli military actions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the ceasefire applied to all fronts, including Lebanon, warning of consequences for any violations.
Israel appeared ready to intensify operations against Hezbollah after renewed assaults on its northern regions. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened strikes in Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut, citing repeated ceasefire violations by the group.
TRUMP LATER ANNOUNCED ON TRUTH SOCIAL THAT HE HAD INTERVENED DIRECTLY TO HALT THE ESCALATION.
The intervention culminated in a tense conversation between Trump and Netanyahu, as reported by Axios. Trump urged Israel to refrain from significant escalation, which could jeopardize the delicate negotiations with Iran.
Trump announced on Truth Social that he had convinced both sides to cease their hostilities. “I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu today, asking him not to go into a major raid of Beirut, Lebanon. He turned his Troops around. Thank you Bibi!” Trump wrote. He also claimed to have communicated with Hezbollah representatives, who agreed to halt their attacks on Israel.
Netanyahu clarified that while Israel had paused its actions, it remained prepared to strike if attacks resumed. “I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and civilians, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut,” he stated.
Despite earlier mixed signals, Trump expressed confidence that a deal could soon be reached, stressing the importance of the discussions. “You’re talking about a real large country — them — very large country making a deal. Tremendous hostility, really,” Trump said.
The proposed framework aims to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump highlighted that while progress was being made, he was still seeking further commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear activities.
This development marks a potential turning point in the negotiations, as both sides navigate a complex landscape of regional tensions and international diplomacy.
