WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump urged Iran to return immediately to ceasefire negotiations following recent exchanges of strikes that have tested a fragile truce between the two countries.
Trump made the call on Sunday after Iran launched missile attacks on Israel and amid ongoing tensions involving the Strait of Hormuz. He told reporters that Iran should "get back to the table and make a deal," while also pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate further.
"You've shot your missiles, that's enough. Get back to the table and make a deal," Trump said, according to reports.
The comments came as the United States and Iran have traded limited strikes in recent days, straining the ceasefire that took effect in April. The truce had been extended multiple times amid indirect talks aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear program, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and other issues.
Negotiations, mediated in part by countries including Pakistan and Qatar, have faced repeated setbacks. Trump has alternated between expressing optimism about reaching a comprehensive agreement and warning of stronger military action if Iran does not engage constructively.
Iranian officials have accused the U.S. of undermining diplomacy through continued pressure and support for Israeli actions. Tehran has maintained its positions on key issues, including its nuclear activities and regional influence, while stating it remains open to talks under certain conditions.
The conflict escalated earlier in the year following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. The April ceasefire paused major hostilities, though sporadic incidents have continued, including attacks involving proxies and direct exchanges. Both sides have reported limited casualties in recent flare-ups, though independent verification of overall figures remains challenging.
The U.S. has kept a naval blockade in place on Iranian shipping, citing security concerns. Trump has linked its lifting to progress in negotiations.
As of Wednesday, no new round of direct or indirect talks had been publicly confirmed. International calls for de-escalation have increased, with the United Nations and other parties urging both sides to prioritize diplomacy to prevent a return to broader conflict. Details on the next steps in negotiations remain unclear.
