President Trump has indicated a second round of direct U.S.-Iran talks could occur within days, potentially in Pakistan. These discussions follow a recent, unsuccessful weekend of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Despite previous failed attempts, optimism remains regarding a potential deal, with the president stating the war is nearly over.
A key focus of the talks involves securing “breathing room” between Israel and Lebanon, where fighting escalated after Hezbollah, a pro-Tehran group, attacked Israel in March. Ending the conflict in Lebanon, alongside addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, were significant sticking points in earlier peace efforts.
Both U.S. and Iranian forces are currently blocking the Strait of Hormuz, but negotiators anticipate an extended cease-fire. Back-channel talks have reportedly narrowed the gaps between the two sides, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed positive sentiment about the prospects of a deal. The U.S. president also noted that leaders from both countries will speak for the first time in 34 years.