Trump Predicts U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Within Days Amid Ongoing Lebanon Strikes

President Donald Trump announced that negotiations between the United States and Iran are nearing a conclusion, suggesting a formal peace or ceasefire deal could be signed within the next two to three days. Speaking on the progress of talks, the President indicated that there are no remaining "sticking points" and explicitly linked the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to the finalization of the agreement. Diplomatic reports suggest that draft texts are currently being exchanged through Pakistan, with the proposed ceasefire intended to cover multiple regional conflict zones, including Lebanon. Despite the optimistic tone from Washington, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Israeli forces recently carried out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in eight deaths and underscoring the friction between ongoing diplomatic efforts and active proxy conflicts. While Iran's UN ambassador confirmed that drafts have been exchanged, Iranian officials have been more cautious, describing the talks as unsettled. Furthermore, Revolutionary Guards Commander Esmail Qaani recently called for the establishment of a "defense belt" stretching to the Bab al-Mandab, signaling that Iran’s proxy networks remain a potent element of their regional strategy. The current diplomatic push follows a period of intense state-on-state combat earlier in 2026. Experts note that the focus has now shifted toward maritime access and ceasefire verification. The linking of the Strait of Hormuz to the negotiations highlights the significant economic stakes involved, as the U.S. seeks to stabilize global energy shipping routes while Iran utilizes its control over the passage as a primary lever in the final stages of bargaining.