Iran war: Trump optimistic for deal as Tehran yet to respond

What you need to know

• US President Donald Trump described the latest round of talks as 'very good'
• Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that a US proposal was 'under review'
• The US State Department reportedly warned staff about using confidential information to place bets on prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi

Welcome to DW's coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Thursday, 7 May, 2026. You can catch up on Wednesday's developments here.

US State Department issues warning over Polymarket

The US State Department has warned its staff not to use confidential information to place bets on sites like Polymarket and Kalshi, The Wall Street Journal reported.

"Recent press reports have raised concerns about U.S. government officials using nonpublic government information to place wagers on online prediction markets, such as Kalshi or Polymarket," the State Department memorandum reads.

"All employees are reminded that the misuse of nonpublic information by Department employees for financial benefit is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated."

Hundreds of millions of dollars has poured into bets about the US-Iran negotiations as well as other wagers regarding the war.

Several accounts won large sums after placing well-timed bets on US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire in April, prompting calls for closer scrutiny of such platforms.

Last month, a US soldier was charged with using classified information to place bets tied to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, winning $400,000 (€342,480) in the process.

Crypto Gambling or Forecasting Tool?

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Trump says Iran deal 'very possible'

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism over the latest round of peace negotiations with Iran.

"We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal," he told reporters in the Oval Office late on Wednesday.

Later on Wednesday, during a tele-rally for a Republican gubernatorial candidate, Trump again promised "it'll be over quickly."

But Trump also threatened to resume bombing Iran if it doesn't agree US demands to end its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said a proposal put forward by the us was "under review" and that Tehran's response would be communicated to mediator Pakistan "after finalizing its views."

US-Iran war: What options are left for Trump on Iran?

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Welcome to our coverage

Hello and welcome to DW's coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Thursday, 7 May, 2026.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that a ceasefire proposal put forward by Washington was "under review."

US President Donald Trump later said on social media that "it's very possible that we'll make a deal."

Meanwhile, the US State Department has warned government officials about using betting sites like Polymarket and Kalshi. It comes after numerous media reports of money pouring into wages regarding the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.

Stay tuned for more throughout the day in our blog.