Trump Hints at ‘Good News’ on US-Iran Talks; Tehran Says No Decision Yet on Fresh Negotiations
Diplomatic efforts to revive US-Iran nuclear talks are inching forward, with President Donald Trump indicating that negotiations could resume as early as Friday. However, Tehran has stopped short of confirming its participation, leaving the situation in a state of uncertain pause.
Sources cited by the New York Post said recent engagements have shown positive signs, with talks potentially resuming within the next 36 to 72 hours. When asked about the possibility of negotiations taking place in Islamabad, Trump responded briefly: “It’s possible! President DJT.” Pakistan has been playing a central mediation role in bridging the two sides.
While Washington has extended the current ceasefire and paused direct military action, US messaging has remained inconsistent. According to a source cited by Reuters, no fixed timeline has been set for how long the ceasefire will hold. In a post, Trump stated: “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.”
Iran Holds Back
Tehran has been notably cautious. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country has not yet decided whether to participate, accusing Washington of undermining 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 note that decision-making in Tehran is complicated by competing power centres within the government. “Any peace talks at this point will be effectively conditional upon Iran providing a unified response,” a strategic affairs analyst told 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
Tensions in the region remain elevated. The US has maintained its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz a move Iran has characterised as an act of war. Iranian forces have responded by seizing vessels and warning that any disruption to the strategic 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.
Pakistani officials involved in the mediation process described recent delays as a setback rather than a complete breakdown. “We were all prepared for the talks, the stage was set,” one source told Reuters.
As of now, the ceasefire is holding, but no confirmed date for fresh talks has been announced and tensions continue to simmer across the region.
(With inputs from Reuters and New York Post)