US President Donald Trump stated that a proposed agreement between the United States and Iran, aimed at ending ongoing hostilities, was delayed by several hours due to a recent Israeli attack. Speaking to Axios by phone, Trump said the strike disrupted the process and postponed the signing, which had been scheduled to occur shortly before the attack. He expressed surprise after being briefed by advisers and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the timing of the assault.

In an earlier interview with Fox News, Trump said the deal could be finalized within two to three hours. Reuters cited an official involved in the talks saying mediators remained optimistic that the US-Iran understanding was “very close to the final stage.”

Diplomatic efforts have intensified to prevent a wider regional conflict and to restrain Israel’s military operations. However, Tehran remains unwilling to accept any conditions that would allow Israel to continue its military actions across the region.