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President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran appears to be nearing acceptance of key U.S. demands, pointing to what he described as significant progress in ongoing discussions.

He praised the current blockade on Iran, calling it “amazing,” and said it “is holding up very strong, and I think we’re making a lot of progress.”

Trump indicated he does not see a need to prolong the ceasefire, adding: “Iran wants to make a deal and we’re dealing very nicely with them. They’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago.”

He added that another round of talks between the sides is likely to take place over the weekend.

Addressing reports that any agreement might limit Iran’s uranium enrichment for a defined period, Trump said no such arrangement has been finalized. “What we have is a statement that goes beyond 20 years, that they will not have nuclear weapons. There’s no 20-year limit.”

At the same time, he cautioned that if negotiations collapse, hostilities could restart.

Trump also asserted that Iran has agreed to transfer its enriched uranium, saying: “They agreed to hand over the nuclear dust. It’s way underground because of the attack with the B-2 bombers. We have a lot of agreement with Iran, and I think that something very positive is going to happen.”

Turning to the ceasefire he recently announced between Israel and Lebanon, Trump said he expects Hezbollah to comply. “It’s quite exciting, we’re going to meet with Bibi Netanyahu and the President of Lebanon. I had a great talk with both of them today. They’re going to have a ceasefire, and that will include Hezbollah.”

Responding to criticism from Pope Leo XIV regarding the conflict with Iran, Trump said: “It’s important that the Pope understands that Iran killed 42,000 people who were totally unarmed. They were protesters. Iran can not have a nuclear weapon. If they did, every country, including Italy, where he’s stationed, would be in trouble. So we’re doing very well in respect to that.”

{Matzav.com}

The U.S. State Department on Thursday evening issued the full text of a newly brokered understanding between Israel and Lebanon, marking a major diplomatic development facilitated by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The agreement, described as a significant turning point, formally states for the first time in decades that Israel and Lebanon are no longer considered to be in a situation of war and are committed to working toward a lasting peace arrangement.

Under the terms outlined, a ceasefire is set to begin at midnight Israel time and will initially remain in effect for ten days. During this window, representatives from both countries are expected to meet in Washington for direct negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent resolution. The timeline can be extended if both sides agree that meaningful progress is being made.

A central provision of the deal addresses the role of armed groups operating outside state authority, specifically Hezbollah, stating that such organizations erode national sovereignty. The agreement stipulates that only Lebanon’s official security bodies—including the Lebanese Armed Forces, Internal Security Forces, Directorate of General Security, General Directorate of State Security, Lebanese Customs, and Municipal Police—will be authorized to carry weapons.

The framework also makes clear that Israel maintains its right to defend itself against any imminent or ongoing threats, even during the ceasefire period. At the same time, Israel agreed to refrain from initiating offensive operations against official Lebanese government targets across land, sea, or air.

In a notable declaration, both sides affirmed that “the two states are not at war” and pledged to engage in direct and sincere negotiations to settle outstanding issues, including finalizing the international land border between them.

Lebanon, for its part, committed to taking concrete measures to prevent Hezbollah and other armed factions from launching attacks against Israel. The agreement underscores that Lebanon bears full responsibility for maintaining its sovereignty, with no external party permitted to assert control within its borders.

The U.S. statement further noted that Washington will spearhead international efforts to assist Lebanon and contribute to broader regional stability.

A 25-year-old man was left in critical condition Thursday evening after being struck by shrapnel during a Hezbollah missile attack near Karmiel, just shortly before a planned ceasefire between Israel and the terror group was set to begin.

Emergency responders who arrived at the scene discovered the victim with serious penetrating injuries, primarily affecting his head and one of his legs.

Magen David Adom reported: “At the scene in the Karmiel sector, MDA medics and paramedics are providing medical treatment at the scene to a 25-year-old man in serious condition who was injured apparently by interception fragments.”

The attack occurred roughly 90 minutes prior to the scheduled ceasefire going into effect between Israel and Hezbollah.

In the lead-up to the truce, northern Israel had come under sustained fire, with Hezbollah launching a wave of rockets and unmanned aerial vehicles over the course of approximately two hours.