Trump Signals Push for Iran Deal as Israel Expresses Doubt

Trump Signals Push for Iran Deal as Israel Expresses Doubt

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly determined to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran aimed at de-escalating hostilities in the Middle East, according to three senior Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The officials said that while Trump appears committed to negotiations, they remain skeptical that Iran would agree to U.S. demands in any renewed round of talks, which they noted previously collapsed on February 28 amid rising tensions linked to the broader U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran.

They added that any potential agreement would likely include strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear program as well as its ballistic missile capabilities—longstanding points of contention between Washington and Tehran.

Trump had earlier indicated on social media that the United States and Iran had engaged in what he described as “very good and productive” discussions toward achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” However, Iranian authorities quickly pushed back on that claim, stating that no formal negotiations had taken place.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied engaging in direct talks with the United States, maintaining that any diplomatic engagement must occur under conditions that respect Iran’s sovereignty and national interests. In response to Trump’s remarks, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed the claims as misinformation, suggesting they were intended to influence global financial and oil markets.

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The conflicting narratives come as the regional conflict continues to intensify. Reports indicate that missiles struck central Tel Aviv on Tuesday, as Iran sustained its attacks targeting Israeli territory and, in some instances, Gulf Arab states. The exchanges mark one of the most serious escalations in recent months, raising concerns about wider regional instability.

Meanwhile, Trump has reportedly delayed a deadline requiring Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz for international shipping or face potential airstrikes on its power infrastructure. The strait remains a critical global energy chokepoint, and any disruption could have significant implications for oil supply and global markets. The temporary delay was seen as a move to allow space for diplomacy, even as tensions remain high.

The situation has heightened fears of a broader conflict, particularly amid warnings that strikes on energy infrastructure could affect electricity supply across Iran and neighboring Gulf countries. Analysts have also cautioned that any damage to desalination plants or nuclear facilities could trigger severe humanitarian and environmental consequences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that military operations will continue despite ongoing discussions about a possible ceasefire. “There’s more to come,” he said, indicating that Israel intends to sustain pressure on Iran and its regional allies, including Lebanon-based groups.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has meanwhile been engaged in a series of diplomatic consultations with counterparts across several countries, including Azerbaijan, Egypt, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, South Korea, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan. These discussions are part of broader efforts by Tehran to rally international support and manage the geopolitical fallout from the ongoing conflict.

As diplomatic signals remain inconsistent and military activity continues, uncertainty persists over whether renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran will materialize or lead to any meaningful breakthrough. Israeli officials remain doubtful, arguing that deep disagreements over nuclear restrictions, missile programs, and sanctions relief continue to stand in the way of a comprehensive agreement.

Trump Signals Push for Iran Deal as Israel Expresses Doubt