Ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah holds as U.S.-Iran tensions ease

A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah appears to be holding.

(NBC)- A ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah appears to be holding, raising hopes for a broader de-escalation across the region.

The pause in fighting, which went into effect just hours ago, is being seen as a key step toward potentially ending the wider conflict involving the United States and Iran.

Donald Trump signaled optimism overnight, posting on social media that it “may have been a historic day for Lebanon.”

Speaking while traveling out west to highlight his economic record ahead of the November midterms, Trump suggested the conflict could soon come to an end.

“The war in Iran is going along swimmingly… it should be ending pretty soon,” he said.

The president also indicated he is open to extending the current ceasefire with Iran—set to expire Tuesday—if needed, and said new negotiations could take place as early as this weekend.

“We’re close to a deal,” Trump added. “We’re getting along very well with the new Iranian leaders.”

Despite the optimism, the U.S. continues to apply pressure on Iran, enforcing a blockade targeting ship traffic to and from Iranian ports.

Back in Washington, lawmakers remain divided over the conflict.

A Republican-controlled House narrowly voted down a measure that would have forced the president to end U.S. involvement in the war immediately—failing by just one vote. The decision came a day after the Senate rejected a similar effort.

Meanwhile, Trump’s ongoing public disagreement with Pope Leo XIV is adding another layer of tension.

“I can disagree with the Pope. I have a right to disagree with the Pope,” Trump said.

While the pope did not respond directly, he told worshippers in Africa, “Woe to those who manipulate religion… for their own military, economic, and political gain.”