US President Donald Trump said renewed talks with Iran were “possible” in the near term, even as conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran cloud prospects for a new negotiating round. Pakistani sources suggested potential positive developments could emerge within 36 to 72 hours, pointing to ongoing diplomatic engagement despite heightened rhetoric.
Trump told the New York Post via text message that restarting negotiations “is possible,” signaling a potential diplomatic opening. Pakistani officials added that Islamabad continues to engage Tehran through diplomatic channels, noting that the ceasefire remains intact and that “positive intentions on both sides” have prevented military escalation.
Separately, Axios reported that US officials are considering granting Iran an additional three to five days within the ceasefire to organize its position and present a proposal for a possible deal. Failure to do so, they warned, could risk a return to military action. A source close to the administration said Trump “does not want to use military force for now” and is inclined to end the war, but could reconsider if mediators, particularly Pakistan, fail to secure Iran’s participation.
Iran, however, remains cautious. The semi-official Tasnim news agency dismissed claims of imminent talks, stressing that Tehran’s position had not changed. At the same time, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations signaled conditional openness, stating that Tehran is ready to enter talks once the US lifts its maritime blockade. This underscores the gap between Washington’s push for quick negotiations and Iran’s insistence on tangible concessions.
On the ground, tensions persisted despite the truce. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy said it had seized three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the fragility of security in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Iran’s ground forces commander also warned of “severe consequences” for any miscalculation, emphasizing high readiness and a “firm and harsh” response to aggression.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire extension, calling it an important opportunity to de-escalate and create space for diplomacy and confidence-building.
