Trump Team Engaged Iran in Secret Talks to Broker Israel Ceasefire

News Desk

Washington: Former US President Donald Trump played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, following intense backchannel diplomacy led by senior members of his team, a senior White House official confirmed on Monday.

According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the breakthrough came after direct talks between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside indirect communications with Tehran through U.S. envoys.

The official said Israel agreed to the ceasefire under the condition that Iran refrains from launching further attacks. Tehran, in turn, indicated its intention to halt operations, effectively paving the way for a cessation in hostilities that had threatened to spiral into a broader regional conflict.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff were all involved in negotiating with Iran, the official said, adding that talks had been held both before and during the recent escalation.

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Earlier on Monday, Trump had announced that a “complete and total” ceasefire between the two adversaries would take effect within hours—despite the ongoing risk of renewed violence. His statement came shortly after both sides had exchanged threats of further military action.

Over the weekend, the situation sharply deteriorated when U.S. bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs on Iranian underground nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The attack caused no casualties, and the White House downplayed the response as “measured.”

The senior official revealed that Trump ordered his team to engage with both parties immediately following the U.S. strikes. “He directed his team on Saturday night: ‘Let’s get on the phone with the Iranians. Get me Bibi. We’re going to make peace,’” the official said, quoting Trump.

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Although Trump had initially said last Thursday that a decision on U.S. military action would come “within two weeks,” he authorized the strikes by Saturday, marking a significant departure from his long-standing promise to avoid major foreign military entanglements.

That move sparked concern among Trump’s conservative base, which has supported his “America First” approach and his opposition to overseas wars. However, a successful ceasefire deal could help Trump recast himself as a decisive leader capable of ending conflicts through diplomacy.

The ceasefire, if it holds, is the result of rapid Oval Office diplomacy. According to the official, Trump was deeply involved in the process throughout the day, speaking directly with Netanyahu, who had been advocating for greater U.S. military involvement since the start of the crisis.

The White House emphasized that Trump has demonstrated “restraint” and maintained a focus on safeguarding American interests. “He made it clear that the U.S. would act decisively but responsibly,” the official said.

While the situation remains fluid, the agreement represents a critical moment in the effort to de-escalate one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the Middle East in recent years.