Trump says deal could be reached ‘soon’ as Iran warns against US ground invasion

Overnight, Iran retaliated by targeting Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as strikes continued to target its electrical infrastructure. The attacks, which disrupted power in parts of Tehran and the surrounding Alborz province, were followed by reports of outages in the capital and neighboring regions, according to state television. These actions come amid ongoing tensions in the region, with US President Donald Trump reiterating his belief that a peace agreement is within reach.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that the US-Israeli campaign had already shifted Iran’s leadership, stating, “We’ve had regime change. We’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before. It’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change.” He emphasized that the new Iranian leadership is “much more reasonable,” citing the deaths of several key figures in the month-long conflict.

“They gave us most of the points. Why wouldn’t they?”

Trump also addressed a 15-point ceasefire proposal, asserting that Iran had accepted the majority of its terms. Meanwhile, Pakistan sought to leverage its strategic relationships with Tehran and Gulf nations, as well as its growing ties with Trump, to act as a mediator. “Pakistan is very happy that both Iran and the US have expressed confidence in its ability to facilitate talks,” said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, countered by accusing Washington of using diplomacy as a distraction. “The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation and dialogue while secretly planning a ground attack,” he said in a statement. “Our men are waiting for the arrival of the American soldiers on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional allies once and for all.”

Despite diplomatic efforts, the US has escalated its military presence. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors, arrived in the Middle East on Friday. Reports indicate the Pentagon had been preparing for weeks of ground operations, possibly targeting sites near the Strait of Hormuz, though Trump has not yet given final approval.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have left a devastating toll. The country’s health ministry reported 1,238 deaths since the war with Hezbollah began on March 2, including 124 children and over 3,500 injured. On Saturday and Sunday alone, 49 lives were lost, with 10 rescue workers and three journalists among the casualties. The UNIFIL force also noted that a peacekeeper was killed after a projectile struck their position.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his military had been ordered to “further expand the existing security zone,” aiming to counter Hezbollah’s threat. “Iran is no longer the same Iran, Hezbollah is no longer the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is no longer the same Hamas,” he added. “These are no longer terrorist armies threatening our existence—they are defeated enemies, fighting for their own survival.”