WASHINGTON: Following retaliatory missile strikes on Israel by Iran, US President Donald Trump has advised Tehran to return to the negotiating table and finalize a deal.
As per reports from Turkish media outlets, Trump spoke on the latest development saying, “Iranian rockets have been fired, and that is enough. Now, the time has come to return to the table.” He added that everything was just a matter of days and that he expected the agreement to be signed as early as Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
He also criticized the military operation carried out by Israel in Lebanon saying, “It didn’t go well when Israel bombarded the Dahieh area of Beirut without prior notification. These attacks won’t assist you in getting the deal.”
The latest attack launched from Iran came after airstrikes against Lebanon which is believed to be the first major incident since the previous month’s ceasefire deal. While the Israeli Defense Force admitted launching several rockets from Iran, most of the rockets were intercepted using the air defenses.
President Trump concluded by mentioning that the US forces were always alert.
US Optimistic About Near-Term Peace Deal with Iran
Earlier, the United States has indicated that a comprehensive peace agreement with Iran could be reached in the near future, with officials emphasizing that any deal would prioritize American interests and aim to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that while temporary ceasefires have reduced large-scale conflict, attacks continue on both sides. He said, “Whenever Iran strikes trade routes, the US military responds. Our goal remains a durable agreement that keeps Iran out of the nuclear arms race.”
In an interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump emphasized that Washington will not consider lifting sanctions or restoring Iran’s frozen assets until a formal agreement is finalized. “These steps will come later,” Trump said. “If Iran demonstrates the right behaviour and takes meaningful action, we will begin negotiations.”
Trump also addressed Lebanon’s potential role in any short-term agreements with Iran, clarifying that he is not demanding its involvement but acknowledges it may want to participate.
The president further suggested he is prepared to engage directly with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has remained publicly absent since being injured during early US strikes. “We are very close to a deal; otherwise, I would take decisive action,” Trump said.
The statements come amid growing optimism in Washington about achieving a strategic agreement that addresses both regional stability and Iran’s nuclear program, while signalling that US sanctions and financial restrictions will remain in place until the deal is formally sealed.
