Trump Sees Israel-Iran Peace Deal as Likely but Says Fighting May Continue First

President Donald Trump said Sunday he believes Israel and Iran could eventually strike an agreement to end their unfolding conflict, but cautioned the two sides might need to continue fighting before they are prepared to negotiate. Speaking to reporters at the White House as he departed for the Group of Seven summit in Canada, Trump remarked, "I think there's a good chance there will be a deal. Sometimes they have to fight it out." He added that now "is the time for a deal," yet offered no details on any U.S.-led mediation effort. The president said Washington would keep helping Israel defend itself against Iranian missile attacks but stopped short of urging Jerusalem to pause its military operations. Trump did not specify what additional steps, if any, the United States might take to ease tensions.