US-Iran news highlights: Trump's ‘eternity’ wish for Israel, Hezbollah; Tehran peace deal expected ‘over next week’

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon. Iran has called for the ceasefire deal with the US to include an end to hostilities in Lebanon, as the fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance.

US-Iran news highlights: Donald Trump believes a deal with Iran is possible as soon as next week, ABC news reported. Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to dial back fighting, said Donald Trump, after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communication with the Lebanese militant group through mediators. Hezbollah agreed to stop attacks and Israel would not strike the group, the US President said.

The announcement came hours after Israel ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in response to Hezbollah rocket fire and alleged ceasefire violations.

Iran's conditions for a ceasefire

Iran has relayed that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a must for a deal with the United States. In the latest development, Iranian state media has stated that Tehran will move to suspend talks with the US as Israel expands its attacks and military operations in southern Lebanon.

The latest setback comes after the United States and Iran said they traded strikes, which strained the already fragile ceasefire between them, stalling negotiations.

The US Central Command said it conducted weekend strikes at Iranian air defences, ground station and drone sites in retaliation to Tehran shooting down a US MQ-1 drone. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted an "air base from which the attack originated" used by the US military, without specifying the location of the base.

Meanwhile, the Israeli forces have begun a historic incursion deep inside Lebanon drawing global condemnation and putting the US-Iran ceasefire at risk. Amid the escalation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the diplomatic negotiations. The US proposed that as a first step Hezbollah will stop all attacks on Israel and in return Israel would refrain from escalation in Beirut.

Trump says Iran really wants to make a deal

US President Donald Trump has said Iran really wanted to make a deal with the US and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies. His remark comes hours after the US military said it struck Iranian military sites during the weekend.

"Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us," Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump, however, added that it was tougher for him to negotiate with Iran with all the political commentary surrounding the conflict.

Sirens across Kuwait

Kuwaiti air defence on Monday intercepted missile and drone attacks as sirens sounded across the country, the state news agency reported. “The Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they result from the air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks,” the Kuwaiti military said.

The US Central Command stated that it intercepted the drones headed for US bases in Kuwait.