Trump says war with Iran should end soon, possible meeting this weekend

President Donald Trump is confident about an imminent agreement to end the conflict with Iran. He urged the Hezbollah, Tehran’s ally, to cease fire as a ten-day ceasefire took effect between Lebanon and Israel.

Trump specified that the next meeting between the United States and Iran could take place this weekend. He added that a two-week extension of the ceasefire was possible, although it may be unnecessary as Tehran seems eager to reach an agreement.

“We will see what happens. But I think we are very close to a deal with Iran,” he told reporters in front of the White House, saying that if a finalized agreement was signed in Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, he could go there for the occasion.

A few hours later in Las Vegas, Trump went further by stating that the war “should end very soon.”

The conflict with Iran is unpopular in the United States and poses a political challenge for Trump, just a few months before crucial midterm elections.

The Israeli-American offensive against Iran launched on February 28 caused the worst oil shock in history. This led the International Monetary Fund to revise down its global growth forecasts, warning that a prolonged conflict could push the global economy into recession.

A Pakistani source involved in the mediation indicated on Friday that parallel diplomacy was progressing and the next meeting between the two parties could lead to the signing of an agreement.

The two camps would first sign a memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive agreement within 60 days, according to the source.

“The detailed agreement will come later. Both parties agree in principle. Technical aspects will be addressed later,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

A diplomatic source indicated that the main Pakistani mediator, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was in talks in Tehran since Wednesday and had made progress on the “points of friction.”

Context: Trump’s optimism about reaching an agreement with Iran amidst ongoing conflicts.

Fact Check: The source Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran.