US President Donald Trump said on Monday that discussions with Iran were progressing swiftly despite renewed tensions that appeared to test a fragile ceasefire between the two sides.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said negotiations with Tehran were continuing “at a rapid pace,” even as reports emerged of fresh exchanges that threatened to undermine the truce.
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has faced repeated challenges from intermittent attacks and retaliatory actions, raising concerns that any escalation could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump also said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and intermediaries linked to Hezbollah, claiming both sides had agreed to avoid further military action.
“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no troops going to Beirut,” Trump wrote, adding that forces already en route had been recalled.
He further claimed that representatives of Hezbollah had assured him that attacks on Israel would cease, while Israel would refrain from launching strikes against the group.
Speaking to NBC News earlier, Trump said he had not been notified in advance about any reported decision to suspend negotiations with Iran but suggested he had no issue if talks were paused.
“I think it’s fine if they’re done talking,” he said, adding that Iran had proven to be “better negotiators than fighters.”
Trump also stressed that a breakdown in talks would not automatically trigger a new military campaign. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to go and start dropping bombs all over there,” he said.
The comments came after US and Iranian forces exchanged strikes over the weekend and into Monday, placing additional strain on a truce that has been in place for nearly two months.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon. Over the weekend, Israeli forces reportedly carried out their deepest incursion into the country in more than two decades.
On Monday, Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, signalling a potential escalation. Trump’s conversation with the Israeli leader reportedly took place shortly afterwards.
