Trump Expects Iran Ceasefire and Hormuz Deal Next Week

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a new agreement with Iran aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within the coming week.

Speaking during an interview with ABC News, Trump suggested that a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran could prove more valuable than a military success. He indicated that negotiations are moving forward quickly and that discussions with Iranian officials remain active.

Despite his optimism, Trump delivered mixed messages earlier in the day. In separate interviews with CNBC and NBC News, he appeared less enthusiastic about the pace of negotiations, saying the talks had become repetitive and suggesting that a period of silence between the parties might be beneficial.

Tensions escalated after Iran reportedly suspended negotiations following continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Trump later claimed he intervened directly by speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives linked to Hezbollah, helping to prevent further hostilities.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he urged Netanyahu to avoid launching a major operation in Beirut and said both sides subsequently agreed to halt attacks. He voiced hope that the calm would last indefinitely.

Iranian officials, however, accused Washington of violating ceasefire commitments. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the US naval blockade and developments in Lebanon as evidence that agreements were not being fully respected.

Iranian state-linked media reported that Tehran had paused indirect communications through mediators while warning that further escalation in Lebanon or Gaza could trigger a broader regional confrontation. Iranian authorities also reiterated their determination to maintain pressure regarding the Strait of Hormuz and potentially expand actions through allied groups elsewhere in the region.

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Meanwhile, concerns over maritime security increased after reports emerged of an explosion aboard a cargo vessel near Iraq following an apparent projectile strike. The incident raised fresh worries about the safety of commercial shipping routes in the Gulf.

On the nuclear issue, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that detailed nuclear negotiations have not yet begun, emphasizing that ending the conflict remains Tehran’s immediate priority. Trump continues to insist that any future agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a goal Iranian leaders maintain they are not pursuing.

Military tensions also remained high. The US military confirmed additional strikes against Iranian-linked radar and drone facilities after one of its drones was shot down. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for attacks targeting a base used in those operations, while Kuwait reported intercepting missiles and drones entering its airspace.

At the same time, the Israeli military announced the deaths of two more soldiers in southern Lebanon, increasing the number of Israeli military fatalities since March.