A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to hold for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that American and Iranian officials are expected to engage in discussions next week—offering a glimmer of hope for sustained peace.

Speaking at a NATO summit, Trump, who played a key role in brokering the ceasefire that began Tuesday following nearly two weeks of hostilities, said he had little interest in resuming talks with Tehran, claiming U.S. strikes had effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities. An Iranian official, however, questioned whether the U.S. could be trusted in light of the recent attacks.

“We may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” Trump said. “The way I see it, they fought, and now the war is over.”

While Tehran has yet to confirm any upcoming talks, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff noted that communication—both direct and indirect—had taken place. A sixth round of U.S.-Iran talks that had been slated for earlier this month in Oman was canceled after Israeli strikes targeted Iranian assets.

Path Toward Long-Term Peace?

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said the ceasefire was essentially a “quiet for quiet” deal, with no broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

Still, Witkoff expressed optimism about a broader peace deal. “We’re already talking—not just directly, but through intermediaries,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry, however, remained cautious. Baghaei accused the U.S. of undermining diplomacy with its airstrikes and warned that Iran’s national security remains the top priority.

“We are open to diplomacy, but we must determine whether others are sincere or simply using it as a tactic to destabilize our region further,” he said.

IAEA chief Grossi urged all parties to seize the ceasefire as a window for renewed diplomacy. “From the devastation of conflict, there now emerges an opportunity. We must not let it pass,” he said.

Mossad Reveals Intelligence Operations

In a rare move, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency released a video detailing covert operations that enabled the targeting of key Iranian personnel and infrastructure. Mossad chief David Barnea credited collaboration with the CIA and advanced surveillance technologies.

“Through unmatched intelligence and cutting-edge capabilities, we enabled the air force to strike critical nuclear targets, dominate Iran’s skies, and reduce their missile threat,” Mossad said in a Facebook post.

Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir claimed special forces had operated “deep inside enemy territory” during the conflict.

Tehran reported 606 deaths and over 5,300 injuries from the strikes. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group put the Iranian death toll at 1,054, including 417 civilians and 318 security personnel.

In Israel, 28 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured, according to official sources.

Meanwhile, Iran executed six individuals accused of spying for Israel in the past two weeks—three of them on Wednesday.