Trump Claims U.S.-Iran Deal Imminent as Diplomatic Efforts Expand to Lebanon

President Donald Trump announced a significant breakthrough in negotiations with Iran, stating that a "strong, powerful deal" could be finalized within the next 48 to 72 hours. Speaking on the progress of ongoing back-channel diplomacy, the President noted that there are no remaining "sticking points" and that the agreement would explicitly prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. As a primary incentive for the ceasefire, Trump committed to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a move intended to stabilize global energy markets and restore maritime security. Despite the optimistic diplomatic outlook, the U.S. continues to exert economic and military pressure through a total blockade of Iranian ports. This "coercive toolkit" remains in place to ensure compliance during the final stages of mediation. Regional efforts, facilitated largely through Pakistani channels, are currently focused on broadening the ceasefire to include Lebanon. This expansion aims to ensure that allied armed groups do not engage in secondary escalations that could undermine a bilateral U.S.-Iran agreement. On the security front, Washington appears to be seeking a period of restraint following recent exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel. Reports indicate that President Trump has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that U.S. support may be limited if Israel chooses to resume military action independently. Meanwhile, Iranian representatives at the United Nations have confirmed the exchange of draft proposals through intermediaries, signaling a mutual, though cautious, interest in de-escalation.