US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran on ending the conflict could resume soon and may lead to an agreement, urging the world to watch for “two amazing days,” as regional officials indicated progress in efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire for at least two weeks to allow space for renewed diplomacy.
According to ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump suggested he did not expect the current truce to be extended, arguing that a deal remained “the better option” as it would enable Iran to rebuild. However, an official involved in mediation told Associated Press that key sticking points persist, including Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and the issue of war reparations.
The remarks came as Washington increased pressure on Tehran. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon plans to deploy around 10,000 additional troops to the region in the coming days, while keeping options open for further strikes or ground operations should the ceasefire collapse. US media also reported that a naval blockade targeting Iranian trade has entered active enforcement, with naval forces intercepting vessels linked to Iranian ports and ordering them to turn back.
In parallel maritime developments, Reuters reported that a US-sanctioned tanker had turned back towards the Strait of Hormuz after failing to pass through the blockade, underscoring the growing impact of restrictions on regional shipping. Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars News Agency said another Iranian vessel had successfully crossed the strait en route to Imam Khomeini Port, highlighting conflicting narratives over the blockade’s effectiveness.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country does not seek war or instability and supports dialogue and constructive engagement, but warned that any attempt to impose terms or force Iran’s surrender was “doomed to fail.” His comments came as Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran with a senior delegation, as part of Islamabad’s latest mediation effort following an earlier round of direct US-Iran talks that failed to yield a breakthrough.
Despite cautious signs of progress, the path to de-escalation remains uncertain. The Associated Press reported that the proposed truce extension has yet to be formally announced, while Bloomberg said Washington and Tehran are already considering a two-week extension. Any renewed talks are therefore likely to proceed under sustained military and economic pressure, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme remaining central to the dispute.
