Trump says ‘good news’ on US-Iran talks soon; Tehran says no decision yet

Sources cited by the New York Post said recent engagements have shown positive signs, raising hopes that negotiations could resume within the next 36 to 72 hours. When asked about the possibility of talks taking place in Pakistan’s capital, Trump responded briefly: “It’s possible! President DJT.”

However, the path to negotiations remains far from clear. While Washington has extended the current ceasefire and paused direct military action, Tehran hasn’t confirmed its participation in any upcoming talks.

The development follows his earlier decision to extend the ceasefire, offering Iran more time to present a unified negotiating position. In a post, Trump said, “I have directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other.”

Despite that, US messaging has been inconsistent. The Donald Trump administration has indicated that while a short window may be available. However, according to a source cited by news agency Reuters, no fixed timeline has been set for how long the ceasefire will hold.

IRAN HOLDS BACK ON FRESH TALKS

Tehran, for its part, has shown little interest in talks. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country has not yet decided whether to join the proposed talks, accusing Washington of denting earlier negotiations. “We entered the negotiations in good faith and with seriousness, but the negotiating party (the United States) has shown disregard and lack of good faith,” he said.

“Iran has not yet decided whether it will participate in the new round of peace negotiations with the United States scheduled for later this week,” he added.

Analysts say decisions in Tehran don’t come easily, as power is spread across several competing centres, slowing things down. “Any peace talks at this point will be effectively conditional upon Iran providing a unified response,” a strategic affairs analyst to the Post. “That is why the current phase is effectively paused until Iran can consolidate its stance into a single negotiating position.”

HORMUZ BLOCKADE KEEPS REGION ON EDGE

Even as diplomacy inches forward, tensions in the region are still running high. The US has maintained its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran considers an act of war. In response, Iranian forces have seized vessels and warned that any disruption in the waterway would cross a red line.

A Gujarat-bound cargo ship was among two vessels attacked and seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday.

Pakistan continues to play a major role in trying to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran. Officials involved in the process described recent delays as a setback rather than a breakdown. “We were all prepared for the talks, the stage was set,” one source told Reuters.

For now, the ceasefire is holding, but the situation remains uncertain. There is still no confirmed date for talks, and tensions continue to simmer in the background.

– Ends

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