Trump signals hope for Iran-Israel  easefire as regional tensions flare again

According to officials, a special facility has been introduced on the Punjab Emergency Helpline 15 to provide immediate psychological support.

WASHINGTON: Amid renewed military exchanges between Iran and Israel, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that both sides are moving toward an immediate ceasefire, saying final negotiations for a broader peace agreement are progressing despite recent violence.

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Monday, Trump said both Israel and Iran were seeking an urgent halt to hostilities and that discussions aimed at securing a lasting peace were continuing. He stressed that existing restrictions would remain in place until a final agreement is reached.

The remarks came as the Middle East witnessed its most serious escalation since the fragile truce brokered in April. Despite the renewed violence, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy. He stated that Iran had not abandoned negotiations and would continue to pursue both diplomatic and defensive measures while resisting external pressure.

Pakistan also called for calm as concerns mounted over the possibility of a wider regional conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that further instability could have devastating consequences. He emphasized that diplomatic efforts remained the best path toward resolving the crisis and said Pakistan was actively supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace.

Iran later announced the suspension of its military operations against Israel after what it described as a decisive response to recent attacks. However, Iranian military officials warned that any further aggression, particularly in southern Lebanon, would trigger a much stronger reaction.

The latest confrontation began after Israeli forces carried out strikes in Beirut, which Israel said targeted Hezbollah-linked facilities. Iran responded with missile attacks toward northern Israel, marking the first major exchange of fire since the April ceasefire. Israel subsequently launched strikes on several locations inside Iran, including military and industrial sites.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a defiant message, declaring that Israel was entering a critical period as tensions continued to rise. Iranian authorities accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, including petrochemical facilities, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for missile strikes against Israeli targets in retaliation.

Israeli military officials indicated that the confrontation could continue for several more days. The country has tightened public security measures, restricted large gatherings, and prepared for the possible mobilization of reserve forces. Air defense systems remained on high alert as new waves of Iranian missiles triggered sirens across central and southern Israel.

Meanwhile, Iran blamed the United States for failing to prevent Israeli actions, arguing that Washington bore responsibility for violations of regional stability. Iranian officials also warned that diplomatic efforts with the US were being undermined by the latest military developments.

International leaders expressed growing concern over the possibility of a broader conflict. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table, warning that further escalation would only deepen instability across the region.

Adding to regional tensions, Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a renewed ban on Israeli-linked maritime traffic in the Red Sea and vowed to intensify military operations in support of its allies.

As missiles and airstrikes continued to shake parts of Iran and Israel, global attention remained focused on diplomatic efforts that could determine whether the region moves toward peace or slips into a wider and more dangerous conflict.