U.S. President Donald Trump has said he believes a deal to end the ongoing Iran war is within reach, expressing optimism that negotiations could soon bring the conflict to a close.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Tehran appears willing to reach an agreement and suggested he could travel to Islamabad if a formal accord is signed there.
“We’re going to see what happens. But I think we’re very close to making a deal with Iran,” he said as quoted by Reuters.
He also called on the Iran-backed Hezbollah to support a U.S.-backed 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel, as residents in southern Lebanon began returning to homes destroyed during the fighting.
Trump noted that while a two-week ceasefire with Iran could be extended, it might not be necessary if progress continues.
The conflict, which began on February 28 following a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, has resulted in thousands of deaths and triggered significant global economic disruption. The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global economic outlook, warning that a prolonged war could push the world toward recession, while finance leaders from the Group of Seven stressed the urgent need for lasting peace.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts appear to be gaining traction. A Pakistani source involved in mediation said progress has been made through backchannel talks, with a potential meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials expected to produce an initial memorandum of understanding, followed by a broader agreement within 60 days.
“Both sides are agreeing in principle. And technical bits come later,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
According to a diplomatic source, Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in Tehran since Wednesday, helping to resolve key sticking points. Among the issues discussed are Iran’s nuclear programme, with Washington proposing a 20-year suspension of nuclear activity, while Tehran has countered with a three- to five-year pause.
Iran has also pushed for the lifting of international sanctions, while the U.S. has demanded the removal of highly enriched uranium from the country. Iranian sources indicated there are signs of compromise, with Tehran considering exporting part of its stockpile.
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