Trump says Iran war nearing end as Pakistan leads fresh diplomatic push in Tehran

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the war involving Iran and Israel is “very close to over,” as Pakistan’s military chief arrived in Tehran in a renewed diplomatic effort to prevent a breakdown of the fragile ceasefire.

The comments came as Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir landed in the Iranian capital, where officials said he is seeking to narrow differences between the parties involved in indirect negotiations aimed at preventing a renewed escalation of the conflict.

The ISPR confirm Munir’s visit, while a senior Iranian source said he had previously played a mediating role in earlier rounds of talks and was now returning to help bridge remaining gaps.

 “I think you’re going to be watching an amazing two days ahead,” Trump told ABC News, adding that he did not believe an extension of the current ceasefire would be necessary. Speaking separately to Fox Business Network, he said, “I think it’s close to over… I think they want to make a deal very badly.”

The diplomatic push follows reports that US and Iranian officials are considering a return to talks in Pakistan after negotiations held there on Sunday ended without a breakthrough.

Officials from Pakistan, Iran and Gulf states said Islamabad could again host further rounds of discussions in the coming days as backchannel diplomacy continues.

Israeli officials expect a two-week ceasefire agreed last week with Iran to be extended, according to a source cited by Reuters.

Trump also suggested that US negotiators could return to Pakistan for further talks, according to comments reported by the New York Post.

The conflict, which erupted earlier this year, has already triggered regional instability, including renewed hostilities involving Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and disruptions to shipping routes in the Gulf.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with both sides continuing to trade accusations over compliance and future security guarantees.

The developments come as global markets reacted cautiously, with oil prices holding near $95 a barrel amid concerns over supply disruptions and continued instability in key shipping lanes.