Trump says deal with Tehran ‘possible’; Israel bombs Beirut

As of May 7, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a negotiated deal to end the war with Iran is "very possible" following what he described as "very good talks". Simultaneously, the conflict continues on other fronts as Israeli forces launched their first strikes on Beirut since a mid-April ceasefire, reportedly targeting a senior Hezbollah commander. 

Status of U.S.-Iran Negotiations 

• Trump's Optimism: Trump stated that Iran "badly" wants to make a deal and suggested the war could be over "quickly". He also announced a pause in "Project Freedom," a U.S. military operation intended to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in diplomatic talks.
• Proposed Terms: Reports from Axios suggest the two sides are reviewing a framework memorandum of understanding. Key U.S. demands include Iran exporting its highly enriched uranium to the United States and a moratorium on further enrichment.
• Iranian Response: Tehran has not yet formally accepted the proposal. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated the plan is "under review" and that views are being exchanged via mediator Pakistan. Iranian negotiators have cautioned that the U.S. proposal currently resembles an "American wishlist" rather than a finalized reality.
• Threat of Escalation: Trump has paired his optimism with an ultimatum, warning that if a deal is not reached, U.S. bombing will resume at a "much higher level and intensity".

Israeli Strikes on Beirut

• Targeted Strike: On May 6, 2026, Israeli warplanes struck the Dahieh district in Beirut's southern suburbs for the first time since the April 17 ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation targeted Malek Ballout, the operations commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force.
• Casualties: The Lebanese Health Ministry reported at least 13 people were killed across the country on Wednesday, including in strikes in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
• Strategic Context: While the U.S. and Iran engage in direct diplomacy, Israel appears to be maintaining its own military objectives. Some reports indicate Israel was not fully briefed on the potential imminence of a U.S.-Iran deal and is instead preparing for a possible escalation. 

Regional Impact

• Naval Blockade: The U.S. Central Command reported that its blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect. On May 6, a U.S. fighter jet disabled an Iranian oil tanker, the M/T Hasna, in the Gulf of Oman as it allegedly attempted to breach the blockade.
• Market Reaction: News of a potential breakthrough caused oil prices to drop significantly, with Brent crude falling below $100 a barrel for the first time in weeks.