Trump Predicts Possible Iran Deal as Pakistan Mediates Back-Channel Talks

President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office that a deal with Iran is "very possible" following a series of high-stakes diplomatic discussions over the last 24 hours. The U.S. has temporarily paused "Project Freedom," its naval escort mission in the Strait of Hormuz, to allow for mediation led by Pakistan. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly finalizing a one-page memorandum with Iranian officials. Despite the diplomatic opening, Trump maintains that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon and warned that "the bombing starts" at a higher intensity if negotiations fail. The diplomatic push faces significant regional hurdles as Saudi Arabia formally opposed U.S. naval operations, citing fears of Iranian retaliation against its energy infrastructure. Riyadh has reportedly restricted the U.S. from using Saudi airspace or military bases for missions related to the current maritime standoff. Inside Iran, the proposal has met early resistance from hardline lawmakers who described the American terms as "unrealistic" and heavily biased toward U.S. interests. On the ground, military tensions remain high. Israel conducted its first airstrikes in Beirut since mid-April, targeting Hezbollah leadership in response to perceived threats. In the Strait of Hormuz, where global oil prices have hovered around $92 per barrel, U.S. forces disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker attempting to bypass the maritime blockade. While Iran’s Revolutionary Guards suggested safe passage could resume under "new terms," the situation remains volatile as both sides balance military posturing with the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough.