U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he was "very optimistic" that a peace agreement with Iran was within reach, as a diplomatic delegation led by Vice President JD Vance prepared to travel to Pakistan for crucial talks aimed at ending the conflict that has lasted for nearly six weeks. Iranian leaders "speak very differently in meetings than in the press," Trump said. "They are accepting everything they must accept," he added. "I spoke with Bibi and he will be discreet," the president stated. Trump also stated that the Israelis are "much more reasonable." In a phone call on Wednesday, Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce attacks to contribute to the success of upcoming negotiations, a senior government official told NBC News. Trump confirmed the conversation in his interview with NBC News on Thursday, stating that the Israelis were reducing their operations in Lebanon. "They don't have an army," he said. "If they don't reach an agreement, it will be very painful," Trump added. "Remember, they have been conquered."
