Former U.S. President Donald Trump said peace between Iran and Israel could come “soon,” posting on social media Sunday that ongoing but undisclosed meetings were taking place and urging both nations to “make a deal.”
This came amid a sharp escalation, with both countries launching deadly strikes over the weekend. Dozens were killed as Israel and Iran exchanged fire, including devastating attacks in Tehran and Israeli cities.
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “We will have PEACE, soon.” However, he offered no details, and his comments contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to intensify Israel’s campaign.
The White House has not commented on Trump’s claim, and it’s unclear if any official diplomatic efforts are underway.
Trump, presenting himself as a peacemaker, reflected on past efforts like reducing tensions between India and Pakistan and said, “I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the people understand. Make the Middle East great again!”
Meanwhile, fighting between Iran and Israel has led to widespread destruction. Israeli rescue workers searched through debris after Iranian missiles struck residential areas, killing at least 10 people, including children.
Iran claims that 78 people were killed Friday alone, with a Saturday strike on a 14-storey apartment building killing another 60.
Israel’s ongoing campaign, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” began with a surprise attack that killed top Iranian military leaders and targeted nuclear sites. Iran has threatened fierce retaliation, saying Israel has “opened the gates of hell.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if Israeli aggression continues, Iran’s response will become “more decisive and severe.” At least 22 of the 270 Iranian ballistic missiles fired breached Israel’s defense system, officials said.
Trump, while denying U.S. involvement in the conflict, warned Iran not to retaliate against American forces. “If we are attacked in any way, shape, or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” he posted.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran over its nuclear program were canceled, as Tehran refused to negotiate during the Israeli offensive. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, but the West remains skeptical.
Israel also targeted Tehran’s oil depot and South Fars gas field, though it avoided sites tied to oil exports. Iran has not acted on earlier threats to disrupt Gulf shipping routes, but global markets remain jittery as oil prices rise.
Iranian citizens were advised to take shelter, and damage at the Shahran oil depot was reportedly under control. Israel claimed to have struck 80 targets overnight, including Iran’s defense ministry and nuclear facilities.
The broader threat of regional war looms, though Iran’s ability to strike back is weakened. Proxy forces like Hezbollah and Hamas have suffered major losses in past conflicts, limiting Tehran’s reach.
Israel also reportedly hit the chief of staff of the Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, after they launched a missile at Israeli territory.
The conflict could stretch on for weeks, with Netanyahu calling on Iranians to rise against their clerical rulers, further inflaming tensions.