Trump says Israel, Iran seeking ‘immediate ceasefire as final peace talks proceed’
US President Donald Trump has said that Israel and Iran are both seeking an immediate ceasefire as final negotiations over a potential peace agreement continue. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, he stated that both sides were moving toward an urgent halt in fighting. However, he added that the process could be disrupted by what he described as “ignorance or stupidity,” and said enforcement measures would remain in place until a final agreement is reached.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to both diplomacy and defense despite the ongoing conflict. In a post on X, he emphasized that Iran has not withdrawn from negotiations even after recent military exchanges with Israel. He described diplomacy and defense as two essential components of national power and warned that Iran would not back down in the face of threats.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also urged restraint amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In a statement on X, he described the situation as a warning about the risks of fragile ceasefires and warned that continued instability could lead to severe consequences. He said Pakistan, along with its partners, is actively supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution, and stressed that dialogue remains the best path forward compared to further violence.
Iran’s military command announced that it has halted its offensive operations against Israel after recent exchanges of fire. The Khatam al-Anbiya command said Iran had already delivered a strong response and was now pausing its attacks. However, it warned that if hostilities continue, particularly in southern Lebanon, Iran would respond with even more severe measures.
Iranian leaders also issued strong warnings against Israel, with senior figures claiming that the “Zionist regime” is nearing collapse amid escalating tensions. These remarks followed continued missile exchanges and airstrikes between the two sides.
On the Israeli side, military officials reportedly expect the confrontation with Iran to continue for several days. The Israeli army has begun preparing for the possible mobilization of reserve forces and has tightened domestic security measures, including restrictions on public gatherings, closures of beaches, and limits on large events depending on access to protected shelters.
Iran has blamed the United States for worsening the crisis, accusing Washington of contributing to instability and undermining diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials said communication with the US is taking place under conditions of extreme mistrust and warned that further escalation could lead to a broader regional conflict.
The exchange of fire between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Iran launching missile barrages toward Israel and Israeli forces conducting airstrikes on targets in western and central Iran. Missile sirens were reported across several Israeli regions, including central and southern areas, while explosions were heard in multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz.
An Israeli airstrike reportedly damaged a petrochemical facility in Iran’s Mahshahr region, although no immediate casualties were confirmed. Authorities in the area reduced staff presence at government offices due to the security situation.
The conflict has also spread across the region, with Israeli strikes reported in Beirut and Iran warning of retaliation if attacks continue in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group announced a total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea and threatened attacks on Israeli-linked vessels.
At the international level, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against further escalation and urged both sides to return to negotiations. She said the immediate priority should be restoring a ceasefire and reopening critical trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, before addressing longer-term issues such as nuclear negotiations.
As tensions continue, Israel has temporarily closed its airspace following missile interceptions, while air defense systems across the region remain on high alert. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, both sides remain engaged in military action, keeping the situation highly volatile.