WASHINGTON, hrvarts Despite intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced optimism on Saturday that peace could soon be achieved and floated the idea of Russian President Vladimir Putin playing a mediator role in future negotiations.
The statement comes amid a fresh wave of overnight airstrikes between the two longtime regional rivals, resulting in dozens of casualties and deepening concerns over a broader Middle East conflict.
Trump “We Will Have Peace, Soon”
In a post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump declared that “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.” He added, “We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place.”
While Trump did not disclose specifics about these meetings, locations, or participating parties, he insisted that progress was being made behind closed doors. His remarks come in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Friday vowed to intensify Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
Putin’s Unexpected Role in a Potential Peace Deal
In a follow-up interview with ABC News, Trump suggested that Vladimir Putin had personally reached out to offer assistance as a neutral facilitator between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
“He is ready. He called me about it,” Trump said. “We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation [Ukraine]. This is something I believe is going to get resolved.”
Trump claimed the Russian leader was open to mediating the conflict, potentially placing Moscow in an unexpected diplomatic position despite its continued aggression in Ukraine and strained relationships with the West.
Escalation May Accelerate Talks, Trump Says
Commenting on the violence, Trump stated that the recent surge in attacks from both sides might have a paradoxical effect pushing both countries toward dialogue faster.
“Something like this had to happen,” he said. “They want to talk, and they will be talking. It may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually.”
Trump also referenced prior efforts under his administration to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program. Talks between the U.S. and Iran had been underway, with another round scheduled for June 15 in Oman, but the meeting was canceled following the latest missile exchanges.
White House Silent as Questions Mount
The White House has not issued a formal statement regarding Trump’s comments, and a spokesperson declined to respond to media inquiries about the nature of any ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Israel-Iran conflict.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a global dealmaker and peacemaker, lamented what he described as a lack of recognition for his diplomatic efforts in prior international disputes, including between India and Pakistan.
“I do a lot and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Tensions Rise as Peace Remains Uncertain
Despite Trump’s assurances, military analysts and foreign policy experts remain skeptical that a resolution is imminent. Iran and Israel continue to engage in military exchanges, and Tehran has vowed retaliation for recent Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military infrastructure.
The situation remains volatile, with global powers including the U.S., Russia, China, and the EU watching closely as diplomatic pathways grow increasingly narrow.
Hopeful Tone vs. Harsh Reality
Trump’s remarks, while hopeful in tone, contrast sharply with the facts on the ground, where lives continue to be lost and diplomatic momentum appears stalled. Whether President Trump’s optimism, Putin’s involvement, or backchannel diplomacy can reverse the trajectory remains to be seen but as of now, peace between Israel and Iran remains elusive.
