‘Very good talks’: Trump hopeful on Iran deal as Israel bombing continues into Day 69

Tehran: As the US-Israel war on Iran entered its 69th day, US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington had held “very good talks” with Tehran and suggested a deal could be reached “quickly”.

While Iran said it was still reviewing the latest US proposal, fresh Israeli strikes, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and rising fears over global energy supplies continued to keep West Asia on edge.

Speaking about the ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts, Trump said discussions with Iran had been productive and a breakthrough remained possible: “We had very good talks with Iran,” Trump said, adding that “it’s very possible we’ll make a deal”.

His remarks came as tensions continue across West Asia following months of military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Iran reviewing US proposal

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is still reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, Baghaei said Iran would convey its official response through mediator Pakistan after finalising its position.

At the same time, Iranian leaders continued to reject external pressure regarding the country’s nuclear programme.

Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said Iran would not surrender control over the Strait of Hormuz.

“If control and management of the Strait of Hormuz pass out of Iran’s hands, the enemy will once again weaponise it against Iran and its people,” he said.

He also called for foreign military forces to leave the region, saying West Asia should manage its own security.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and fears over disruption there have continued to affect global energy markets.

Israeli strikes and Gaza flotilla controversy add to tensions

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continued in parts of Beirut, with reports saying strikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs despite an existing ceasefire arrangement.

Lebanese residents and observers said the attacks signalled that “no place is off limits”.

Separately, a coalition of 13 countries, including Pakistan, Indonesia and Spain, condemned Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters.

The countries described the detention of activists aboard the flotilla as a violation of international law and demanded their immediate release.

Despite Trump’s optimistic remarks about diplomacy, uncertainty continues across the region as military activity, political tensions and concerns over energy supplies remain unresolved.

The conflict has also raised concerns globally over oil prices, maritime security and the risk of a wider regional escalation.