Source The Hindu
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching further military strikes against Iran, emphasizing that a potential peace agreement between Washington and Tehran is “very close” to being finalized.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Trump conveyed his concerns during a recent phone call with Netanyahu, warning that any escalation could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts. The appeal came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following missile exchanges and retaliatory actions involving Iran and Israel.
Despite the volatile situation, Trump struck an optimistic tone, suggesting that both sides are moving toward a ceasefire. He indicated that negotiations are progressing rapidly and that an agreement could be reached soon, although he cautioned that unforeseen developments could still derail the process.
The U.S. administration has been actively working behind the scenes to broker a deal aimed at de-escalating the conflict and stabilizing the region. Trump reiterated that diplomacy remains the preferred path forward, even as military tensions continue to simmer.
However, the situation remains fragile. Israel has signaled its willingness to respond forcefully to any perceived threats, while Iran has warned of further retaliation if provoked. The divergence in approach between Washington and Tel Aviv highlights growing strains in their handling of the crisis.
As negotiations continue, global attention remains fixed on whether diplomatic efforts can outpace the cycle of retaliation. A successful agreement could mark a significant turning point in Middle East geopolitics, potentially easing tensions that have threatened to spiral into a broader conflict.
For now, Trump’s message to Netanyahu underscores a clear priority: avoid escalation and give peace a chance.
