USA, Mar 24, (V7N) – US President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism on Tuesday as he announced a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that the United States is in negotiations with Tehran to bring the month-long war to an end. Trump’s comments followed an unexpected announcement from Iran that it would allow "non-hostile" oil vessels to pass through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for global oil.

"Iran did something yesterday that was amazing. They gave us a present, and the present arrived today. It was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money," Trump said during a meeting in the Oval Office, although he did not elaborate on the nature of the “gift.”

The comments come amid a fluctuating situation, where Trump has alternated between threats of major military escalation and hopes for diplomatic solutions. Iran's assurance of safe passage for non-hostile ships is seen as a potential sign of de-escalation, though many vessels still hesitate to travel due to fears of damage and rising insurance costs.

In an apparent effort to end the crisis, Trump confirmed that the US had sent a detailed peace plan to Iran, delivered through Pakistan, which included proposals to resolve the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program. According to reports, the US plan included a one-month ceasefire, a freeze on Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities, and the surrender of enriched uranium to international monitors. In return, Iran would see the lifting of sanctions and assistance in developing civilian nuclear energy at the Bushehr facility, which dates back to before the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Despite these efforts, violence continues unabated. Iranian missile strikes in Israel have caused injuries, and the Israeli military has launched airstrikes in retaliation, including attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces have made plans to extend their control over southern Lebanon, intensifying the conflict in the region.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports suggest that the US is planning to deploy 3,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, signaling that military preparations continue despite diplomatic moves.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continues to rise. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 1,072 people in Lebanon, and more than one million have been displaced. In Israel, more than a dozen were injured in missile attacks, including an infant.

Despite Trump’s apparent push for diplomacy, the conflict seems far from over, with both sides continuing their military campaigns. As negotiations continue, the international community remains on edge, watching closely as both the US and Iran weigh the potential for peace against ongoing hostilities.

END/WD/RH/