Trump says Iran deal possible within days as ceasefire holds

US President Donald Trump said early Tuesday that negotiations with Tehran remain ongoing with a comprehensive agreement possible within days, just hours after Israel and Iran agreed to halt attacks that threatened to shatter a fragile ceasefire. Speaking to reporters as he returned to Washington, the US leader emphasized that diplomatic channels stayed open even during the weekend escalation, adding that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately upon signing.

Deal terms

Trump stated that any final agreement would explicitly block Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, marking a cornerstone of the administration's diplomatic push. "They were going back and forth, and now they both agreed through me to stop, and we're in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape, or form nuclear weapons," he said, noting that the ceasefire had held despite intense weekend exchanges.

Regional escalation

Regional tensions have spiraled since Washington and Jerusalem launched military action against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation and the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The fragile ceasefire faced its gravest test on Sunday when Israeli warplanes struck Beirut, prompting Iranian missile fire at northern Israel before both sides agreed early Monday to halt aerial attacks, though Tehran warned of a "crushing" response should Israeli operations in Lebanon persist.

Conflict origins

The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian nuclear and military facilities, prompting Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz and target regional bases hosting American troops. Sunday's breach marked the most serious violation of the April truce to date, temporarily threatening to cascade into a wider regional war before Monday's mutual commitment to halt strikes pulled both sides back from the brink.