As tensions between Iran and Israel reached alarming new heights, former US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed confidence that the two adversaries would reach a peace agreement soon. Trump, referencing his past mediation efforts, said he believes negotiations are already in motion.

The statement came shortly after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missile strikes against Israel in retaliation for “Operation Rising Lion,” an Israeli offensive that had targeted key nuclear and military sites across Iran earlier in the week. Some Iranian missiles managed to hit central Israeli cities, prompting threats of stronger retaliation from Tel Aviv.

Despite the escalation, Trump remained optimistic. “There are many conversations and meetings happening right now,” he wrote on Truth Social, adding, “Peace between Israel and Iran will be achieved soon.”

He compared the current situation to past geopolitical crises during his presidency, claiming credit for diffusing tensions between India and Pakistan by leveraging trade ties, and helping avoid a larger war between Serbia and Kosovo. He also referred to his involvement in easing disputes between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River dam project.

“Iran and Israel must come to the table, and they will—just like India and Pakistan did. I used America’s trade relationships to promote dialogue and sanity between strong leaders who were able to act fast and stop a potential war,” Trump said. “I don’t get credit, but the people know.”

Conflict Intensifies on Day 3

Meanwhile, the violence in the region showed no signs of abating. On Sunday, an Israeli missile strike hit a residential building in Tehran, killing at least 60 people, including nearly 30 children, according to Iranian officials. Earlier, an Iranian projectile struck northern Israel, claiming three lives and injuring ten more.

In a significant development, Israel expanded its operations, reportedly bombing over 150 Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan, military bases, and energy sites such as a major gas facility in Bushehr. The Israeli Defense Forces also struck Iran’s Ministry of Defense offices in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Iran's nuclear ambitions as nearing completion, warning, “What they’ve experienced so far is just the beginning.”

In retaliation, Iran fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones in a four-phase attack targeting Israeli locations. Israeli and US defense systems intercepted many of these, but some did break through, causing further casualties and damage.

India Calls for Restraint

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, India called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to ease the rapidly deteriorating situation. While the SCO, led by China, condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, New Delhi refrained from endorsing the statement and instead emphasized restraint and peaceful resolution.