Israel-Iran Signal Cautious Optimism—But Ceasefire Fragile

Despite mutual accusations and ongoing airstrikes, leaders in Iran and Israel expressed hope for a path toward de-escalation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Tehran would only resume hostilities if Israel did. Donald Trump, en route to a NATO summit, said he opposed any regime change in Iran, urging calm: “Iran’s not going to have a nuclear weapon. It’s the last thing on their mind right now.” Ordinary citizens, from Tel Aviv to Tehran, voiced cautious optimism. “It never should have started,” said one Iranian, while an Israeli man who lost his home said, “Better late than never.”