ISLAMABAD: Amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced confidence on Sunday that peace in the Middle East is within reach, pointing to his past diplomatic successes and suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin could play a role in mediation.
In a series of statements and interviews, Trump highlighted ongoing “calls and meetings” aimed at ending the current Iran-Israel conflict, although he did not provide details.
He emphasized that both nations were under pressure and hinted that recent violence could actually prompt serious dialogue.
Trump’s optimism came despite Iran and Israel exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes over the past three days, resulting in significant casualties, including high-ranking Iranian generals and nuclear scientists.
Tehran retaliated with large-scale attacks on Israeli targets, intensifying fears of a wider regional war.
Trump Points to Past Peace Efforts
Speaking to ABC News, Trump said peace was inevitable.
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” he insisted.
He suggested that both sides secretly wanted dialogue and that the ongoing escalation was creating momentum for talks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India as an example of his peacemaking abilities.
That conflict erupted in early May when Indian missile strikes hit civilian areas in Pakistan.
Pakistan retaliated swiftly, targeting Indian military positions.
Trump claimed it was his direct intervention that led to the eventual ceasefire announced on May 10.
“I do a lot and never get credit, but that’s OK. The PEOPLE understand,” he wrote, adding, “MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
Global Diplomacy Kicks Into Gear
Trump also revealed he had discussed the Iran-Israel crisis with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call.
“He is ready. We had a long talk about it,” Trump said, suggesting Putin may help facilitate negotiations.
Diplomatic efforts are now intensifying across multiple capitals.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope for a return to calm within hours, while German and British officials called for immediate talks.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, urging restraint and emphasizing diplomacy.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation directly with Trump, as leaders from the Group of Seven nations prepared to address the crisis during their summit in Canada.
However, Iran and Israel have shown no sign of backing down.
Iran has also denied reports from Cyprus claiming Tehran used Cypriot channels to convey messages to Israel.
Further complicating peace efforts, a scheduled round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. in Oman was canceled due to the current hostilities.
Trump reiterated that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain the core issue, and again called for strict limits on its program as the pathway to peace.
