Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced promising developments regarding Iran, suggesting optimism for peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite this, he cautioned that the current ceasefire could be in jeopardy if an agreement is not reached by the looming Wednesday deadline.
According to Thai News Agency, this announcement followed Iran's temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, facilitated by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, clarity on the restoration of shipping activities through this crucial oil passage remains elusive as statements from involved parties have offered little definitive guidance.
During his return to Washington aboard Air Force One following a mission in Phoenix, Nevada, President Trump refrained from detailing the nature of the "good news." He merely noted that negotiations with Iran in the Middle East were progressing positively, with several issues reportedly resolved. Nonetheless, he underscored that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the top priority.
The President's comments have been somewhat conflicting, as he also mentioned the possibility of terminating the ceasefire if a durable peace agreement is not established before Wednesday's deadline. He confirmed that the U.S. Navy's blockade of Iranian ports will persist in the meantime.
Despite reports suggesting low expectations for a second round of direct talks between the U.S. and Iran, preparations in Islamabad, Pakistan, where negotiations are anticipated, showed no signs of activity by Saturday morning. This location previously hosted the highest-level discussions between the two nations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended without a resolution last weekend.
In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Galibaf asserted via social media that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to navigation unless the U.S. lifts its naval blockade. He also accused President Trump of making inaccurate statements concerning the peace negotiations on Friday.