Donald Trump says Israel, Iran agreed to 'leave each other alone for another week'

US President Donald Trump has said that Israel and Iran have agreed to refrain from further military action for the time being expressing optimism that ongoing negotiations with Tehran could soon lead to a broader agreement over its nuclear programme and regional tensionsSpeaking to reporters while departing New York after attending an NBA Finals game Trump also reiterated that the USbacked naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would remain in place until a final agreement with Iran is reachedTrump signals progress in talks with TehranTrump said discussions with Iran were continuing and suggested that negotiators could gain greater clarity on the outcome within the next few daysAccording to the US president the talks are approaching a decisive stage and could result in an agreement aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponsWere in the final stages of a very good deal that will not allow nuclear weapons in any form Trump said adding that progress in negotiations had been encouragingHe also suggested that a formal agreement could potentially be reached within two or three days although he did not provide details about the specific terms being discussedStrait of Hormuz blockade to remain in forceTrump maintained that restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would continue until an agreement is officially signedThe strategically important waterway remains one of the worlds most critical energy corridors handling a significant share of global oil shipmentsReaffirming his administrations pressure campaign against Tehran Trump said the blockade was intended to maintain economic leverage during negotiationsThe blockade continues to hold 100 per cent he said while indicating that shipping restrictions could be lifted immediately after a deal is concludedTrump argued that reopening the strait would be one of the first outcomes of a successful agreement potentially easing pressure on global energy marketsPresident claims Israel and Iran have agreed to pause attacksAddressing recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran Trump suggested that both sides had agreed to avoid further escalation for the immediate futureHis comments came after a fresh round of missile strikes and retaliatory attacks heightened concerns about a wider regional conflictTrump said he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and indicated that both countries were expected to exercise restraintHe was hit and he hit back I cant blame him for that Trump said while referring to the recent exchange of attacksThe US president claimed that both sides had agreed through diplomatic efforts to halt further military action for the time beingNetanyahu conversation focused on deescalationTrump described his conversation with Netanyahu as constructive and said there was an expectation that neither side would launch new offensive operations while diplomatic efforts continueHe expressed confidence that international mediation and ongoing negotiations could help prevent another escalation in the coming daysHowever neither Israeli nor Iranian officials immediately confirmed Trumps assertion regarding a temporary understanding between the two countriesDiplomatic breakthrough remains uncertainWhile Trump projected confidence about the prospects of a deal significant challenges remain in negotiations between Washington and TehranThe two sides continue to differ on key issues including Irans nuclear activities sanctions relief and broader regional security concernsWith inputs from ANI