Trump Foresees Diplomatic Breakthrough Between Israel and Iran
Former US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a peace agreement between Israel and Iran, asserting that negotiations are in progress. He referenced his previous diplomatic successes and suggested that, like with other international conflicts, a resolution could soon be within reach.
Claims of Backchannel Diplomacy Underway
Posting on his social media platform, Trump stated, “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.” He cited past achievements in calming tensions between other nations, including India and Pakistan, where he claimed the US helped broker a ceasefire following recent military escalations.
Trump highlighted trade incentives as a key factor in his approach to peace talks, describing how US involvement fostered cooperation between those historically at odds. Additionally, he credited himself with mediating in the Serbia-Kosovo conflict and addressing disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile’s dam, emphasizing that his intervention was instrumental in maintaining peace.
Without revealing specifics, Trump mentioned ongoing discussions between Israeli and Iranian officials, remarking, “Many calls and meetings now taking place.” He expressed frustration over not receiving credit for these efforts but stressed his commitment to improving Middle East relations, concluding with a call to “Make the Middle East Great Again!”
Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Iran
The region remains volatile following Israel's military offensive launched on June 13, named Operation Rising Lion. Israeli forces targeted over 170 sites, including uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz, Khondab, and Khorramabad, along with missile production plants and military bases across Iran.
This surge in hostilities triggered a fierce exchange of airstrikes and missile attacks, with both nations vowing to continue their campaigns. Israeli Prime Minister has pledged relentless strikes, while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) promised a more powerful and wide-ranging response.
Casualties and Impact
- 14 senior Iranian officials, including nuclear scientists, have been killed.
- Iranian media reported 60 civilian deaths, among them 20 children, following a missile strike on a residential building in Tehran.
- Iran retaliated with approximately 200 ballistic missiles and 100 drones targeting Israeli military and civilian infrastructure, striking cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed 22 impact sites where missiles either evaded defenses or debris led to damage.
- At least 10 Israelis were killed and more than 100 wounded during these attacks.
Outlook Amid Rising Tensions
As the confrontation intensifies, the world watches closely for indications of whether diplomatic channels, as suggested by Trump, might yield a peaceful resolution or whether hostilities will escalate further. The complex dynamics between Israel and Iran, influenced by regional and global politics, continue to pose significant challenges for stability in the Middle East.
