Trump defends Netanyahu following Iranian missile strikes

US President Donald Trump has announced that a major diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran could be finalized in a matter of days, expressing strong confidence that a comprehensive new agreement will completely halt Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions.

The President’s optimism comes on the heels of a highly volatile 24 hours in the Middle East that nearly pushed the region into all-out war.

It also underscores his clear strategic preference for rigorous economic containment rather than open-ended military entanglements.

Deal "within a few days"

Speaking about the status of the backchannel negotiations, Trump revealed that the draft framework is nearing completion.

"I may have an idea regarding the agreement with Iran within a few days," Trump noted, reiterating that his objective is a total freeze on Iran's nuclear expansion.

Trump promised that his administration would deliver an ironclad accord that permanently dismantles Tehran's enrichment capability.

"We hope to reach a great deal with Iran, and we will not allow it to possess a nuclear weapon," the US President asserted, taking a direct swipe at the previous administration's foreign policy legacy by adding, "We will have a deal with Iran that is better than the Obama deal."

The diplomatic momentum follows an unannounced, temporary mutual standstill. Trump believes the fever pitch in the region is finally breaking, noting that the immediate threat of total war has receded: "I think things will calm down in the region because both sides agreed to a ceasefire."

Netanyahu "wonderful call" 

Addressing the intense defense discussions that took place over the weekend, Trump firmly defended 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right to respond to recent Iranian ballistic missile strikes.

The statements represent a notable shift from a previous, expletive-laden exchange between the two leaders regarding 'Israeli' operations in Beirut.

"I don't blame Netanyahu because 'Israel' was bombed, and my call with him was wonderful," Trump stated, smoothing over reports of behind-the-scenes friction.

Nevertheless, Trump made it clear that while he respects 'Israel's' security requirements, his priority remains preventing an American combat deployment.

He emphasized that using severe fiscal pressure to squeeze Tehran remains a far more effective tool for the United States than launching a broader war.

"The economic blockade on Iran is better for us than the military option," Trump explained, pointing to the ongoing naval enforcement campaign. He concluded that Washington remains completely aligned on one non-negotiable end-state: "We are heading toward completely depriving Iran of nuclear weapons."

Hormuz helicopter crew safe

In a brief update regarding a separate, high-stakes maritime incident in the critical trade corridors of the Persian Gulf, President Trump provided reassurance about an American military asset.

The President confirmed that the two pilots whose helicopter went down near the strategic Strait of Hormuz during recent patrol operations have been successfully located and are completely safe.

The incident had initially sparked fears of a potential capture or hostile engagement amidst the heavy naval blockade.