Trump optimistic about Iran peace deal as ceasefire appears strained

President Trump told NBC News he was "very optimistic" a peace deal with Iran was possible as a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance prepared to travel to Islamabad; the tentative ceasefire already showed signs of strain with ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon.

President Trump said he was "very optimistic" a peace deal with Iran could be within reach as a U.S. diplomatic delegation prepared to travel to Pakistan for talks in Islamabad. The delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance and includes White House envoys. Officials reported that the tentative ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was under pressure because Israeli strikes continued in southern Lebanon. Pakistani authorities increased security in Islamabad ahead of the scheduled talks. Key facts: - Trump said Iran's leaders behave differently in meetings and expressed optimism about reaching a deal and has urged Israel to scale back strikes in Lebanon to support negotiations. - A U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is set to meet in Islamabad; the exact composition of the Iranian delegation was unclear and an Iranian envoy's post about travel was later deleted. - The tentative ceasefire showed signs of strain as Israeli operations continued in southern Lebanon and some regional leaders urged that Lebanon be part of ceasefire arrangements. - Reports indicated limited maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz during the fragile truce, and U.S. officials have stressed the expectation that passage be reopened. Summary: Diplomatic talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad with a U.S. delegation aiming to negotiate terms amid differing views on what the ceasefire includes. The durability of the ceasefire and continuing military activity in southern Lebanon were described by officials as key factors shaping whether negotiations proceed as planned.