United States President Donald Trump praised Israel as a 'great ally' of the United States, saying the country has shown courage and strength amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Writing on Truth Social, he said Israel 'fights hard, and knows how to WIN', contrasting it with others that he claimed had faltered during moments of conflict.

His comments come as violence involving Israel, Iran and allied groups intensifies. Iran's parliamentary speaker said negotiations with the United States had made some progress but remained far from a final agreement, citing major unresolved differences.

The conflict has caused significant casualties. Iranian authorities reported 3,468 deaths in the war involving the United States and Israel, while Israel confirmed the death of a senior non commissioned officer in southern Lebanon. A recent attack on peacekeepers in southern Lebanon also drew condemnation from United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres after a French soldier was killed.

Despite a 10 day truce, clashes have persisted in southern Lebanon, with Israel carrying out strikes and Hezbollah warning that any ceasefire must be mutual. Tensions have also risen in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran warned vessels against approaching the strategic waterway, prompting Trump to caution Tehran against using it as leverage.