The United States expresses confidence in resuming Iran peace talks, but significant uncertainty remains as a fragile ceasefire nears its expiration
WASHINGTON: The United States has expressed confidence that peace talks with Iran will proceed, but significant uncertainty remains as a two-week ceasefire nears its end.
A senior Iranian official stated Tehran was “positively reviewing” its participation, pending the fulfilment of its conditions.
Those conditions include recognition of its right to enrich uranium. The truce in the war unleashed by the US and Israel on Iran was set to expire imminently, with mixed messages on the precise timing.
A Pakistani source involved in the discussions indicated momentum for talks to resume. US Vice President JD Vance is expected in Islamabad, and President Donald Trump might attend if a deal is reached.
Iran’s distrust is profound, as the US has launched air strikes during previous negotiations.
Top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Trump of seeking to “turn the negotiating table into a table of submission.”
Tensions were further inflamed by a US naval interception of an Iranian cargo ship on Sunday.
US Central Command stated the vessel violated the US blockade, while Iran demanded its immediate release along with the crew.
Trump insists any agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. “They will not have a nuclear weapon,” he stated on Monday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested a deal was close, crediting Trump’s “hardline negotiating style.” She warned the president still has “a number of options” if talks fail.
The conflict has caused a historic shock to global energy supplies and raised fears of a recession. Oil prices eased slightly on limited optimism about the talks, having jumped 6% the previous day on doubts.
