Trump, 'very optimistic' ahead of crucial talks in Pakistan. It invokes behind-closed-doors behavior by the Iranians

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was “very optimistic” about the possibility of a peace deal with Iran, ahead of the start of crucial negotiations in Pakistan this weekend, despite the fragile ceasefire that precedes them, writes AFP.

“In the meetings, they express themselves very differently from what they say to the media. They are much more reasonable,” the US president said in a telephone interview with NBC News, referring to the Iranian officials, whom he did not name.

“They accept everything they have to accept. Don't forget that they were defeated,” the White House leader added.

Entering its second day, the truce between the United States and Iran brought some lull, with no reported bombing in Iran or other Gulf countries, after five weeks of war that has left thousands dead, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.

But the international community fears that the ceasefire will be compromised by the continuation of the Israeli campaign in Lebanon. Israel on Wednesday launched its heaviest attacks on Lebanon since the conflict with Hezbollah erupted last month, killing more than 250 people, as the Iran-aligned militant group resumed rocket attacks on northern Israel.

On the subject, Donald Trump confirmed to NBC News that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday and that he pleaded for restraint.

New Israeli evacuation order for southern Beirut

Israel's military on Thursday again asked residents to evacuate several neighborhoods in the southern Lebanese capital Beirut, warning of further strikes against Iran's ally Hezbollah, a day after a massive bombardment of Lebanon.

For the first time, the evacuation order, which extends beyond the southern outskirts, also affects a densely populated seaside neighborhood adjacent to Beirut's airport, the country's only one. The warning also covers the road to the airport, AFP and Agerpres previously reported.

“Urgent warning to the residents of the southern outskirts of Beirut (…) The Israeli army continues its operations and strikes Hezbollah military infrastructures throughout the southern outskirts,” said the Arabic-language spokesman of the Israeli army, Colonel Avichay Adraee, on the X social network.

An AFP photographer saw numerous people fleeing the area after the warning.

Local TV station NBN, affiliated with Hezbollah-allied Shiite party Amal and headquartered in the warning area, said it was suspending its broadcast.