US President Trump Indicates Talks with Iran Could Resume This Week
Image source, Reuters
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US President Donald Trump has hinted that talks with Iran aimed at ending hostilities could resume later this week.
After talks held in Pakistan last week failed, the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
“We will have to stay there (in Islamabad). Something might happen within the next two days, and we are eager for that,” Trump told the New York Post in an interview.
Trump’s remarks came as the US military reported that within 24 hours of the blockade’s start, no ships had entered or exited Iranian ports.
As the US and Iran face each other again, doubts have emerged about the future of the two-week ceasefire scheduled to begin next week.
According to Trump, the Iranian side has not yet responded. However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the possibility of talks resuming is “high.”
US Strategy to Keep Economic Pressure on Iran
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Citing Gulf States, Pakistan, and Iranian officials, Reuters reports that negotiating teams from Washington and Tehran may return to Pakistan this week, though dates have yet to be finalized.
With hopes of renewed diplomatic efforts, crude oil prices fell below $100 per barrel in global markets on Tuesday.
Following airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, Iran has effectively nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas transportation.
After the failure of initial talks in Islamabad, over a dozen US warships and nearly 10,000 American troops have blockaded Iranian ports and barred ships of all nations. This blockade aims to exert economic pressure on Iran.
This move is believed to impact Iran’s two main sources of income—oil exports and transit fees collected via maritime routes.
US Conditions for Negotiations
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
Within 24 hours after the blockade began, six commercial ships complied with US military directives and returned from Iranian ports, according to US Central Command.
Analysis shows at least four vessels linked to Iran crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the blockade period; two of these ships had previously docked at Iranian ports.
Since the blockade started Monday, three non-Iranian affiliated vessels have also transited the strait.
The US blamed Iran for the failure of the first phase of talks in Islamabad, claiming Iran refused to agree to any conditions.
The most contentious issue was Iran’s nuclear program. US officials stated that they demanded a halt on uranium enrichment for at least 20 years.
However, sources report Iran offered only a five-year freeze, according to US negotiators.
Israel and Lebanon Hold Direct Talks After Three Decades
Image source, Getty Images
For the first time in three decades, Israel and Lebanon have engaged in direct talks and agreed to continue further discussions.
The US State Department spokesperson confirmed that the time and place for further talks are yet to be decided.
Lebanese representatives in Washington described the talks as constructive, while the Iranian side also reported positive dialogue.
However, there is no ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah during these talks. Iran insists on Hezbollah’s disarmament, while Hezbollah has refused to participate in the talks.
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