Israel-Iran conflict: As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate with continued missile strikes, US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about brokering peace. Speaking to reporters before departing for the G7 Summit in Canada, Trump said, “There’s a good chance” that a ceasefire could be reached, although he added, “sometimes they have to fight it out.”

The president declined to comment on whether he had asked Israel to pause its strikes on Iran, but reaffirmed his country’s support for Israel, stating, “We do” support Israel’s right to defend itself. He also praised his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “We get along very well and I think we have great respect for each other.”

ALSO READ

Trump opposed Israeli plan to target Iran’s supreme leader

According to a CNN report, Trump recently opposed a covert Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid ongoing tit-for-tat attacks. A senior US official told CNN that the Israelis had an opportunity to execute the strike over the weekend, but the Trump administration strongly advised against it. The plan was ultimately scrapped.

Trump, wary of being drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict, is reportedly focused on de-escalation. While his administration has expressed willingness to support Israel defensively, it has resisted involvement in offensive operations, including strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Netanyahu’s office rejects report as “fake”

Reacting to the CNN report, Netanyahu’s spokesperson dismissed the claim as “FAKE,” saying there were many false reports circulating. “I’m not going to get into that,” Netanyahu added during a media briefing, refusing to confirm or deny the conversation with the US.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Trump’s administration has left the door open for continued nuclear diplomacy with Iran. Officials reportedly still hope to salvage talks that could lead to a peaceful outcome, even amid growing doubts.

Trump claims credit for peace efforts in the Middle East

In a post on Truth Social, Trump predicted that peace between Iran and Israel would come “soon,” citing multiple calls and meetings. “We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand,” he wrote.

ALSO READ

Trump also claimed that he had helped resolve tensions between India and Pakistan through US trade diplomacy—though no formal evidence supports this assertion. “Just like I got India and Pakistan to make [peace]… using TRADE with the United States to bring reason and cohesion,” he posted.