The White House struck a cautiously optimistic tone on Saturday as efforts to secure a ceasefire between Iran and Israel appeared to gain momentum. Speaking in Washington, President Donald Trump said negotiations were “moving in the right direction” and that a ceasefire was now “a lot closer than it was even a few days ago.” His remarks, delivered during a brief exchange with reporters, reflect a subtle but notable shift in US messaging after weeks of heightened regional tension.
A senior US official, speaking on the record in the State Department’s daily briefing, confirmed that American envoys have been working around the clock with European partners and regional intermediaries. “Our objective is clear: de‑escalation, protection of civilians, and the prevention of a wider regional conflict,” the spokesperson said. The department also reiterated that Washington is coordinating closely with the United Nations, describing the diplomatic track as active and ongoing.
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres reinforced that assessment in New York, warning that the situation remained “extraordinarily fragile.” In a statement issued by his office, Guterres urged all parties to commit to an immediate halt to hostilities, saying: “The Middle East cannot afford another full‑scale war. The risks of miscalculation are simply too high.” His comments follow a series of UN Security Council consultations in which several members, including European states, pressed for a unified call for restraint.
Brussels has also intensified its engagement. An EEAS official confirmed that European diplomats have been in continuous contact with Washington, Tel Aviv and regional capitals. This reflects the EU’s longstanding role as a stabilising actor in Middle Eastern diplomacy and its commitment to multilateral crisis management.
Tehran, meanwhile, has sent mixed signals. Iran’s foreign ministry criticised US involvement but acknowledged that proposals had been conveyed through intermediaries. “We evaluate all initiatives that respect Iran’s sovereignty and contribute to regional stability,” a spokesperson said in a televised briefing. Israeli officials have maintained a firm line, insisting that any ceasefire must include verifiable guarantees that attacks on Israeli territory will cease.
