US signals possible Iran talks within days amid fragile ceasefire

The United States has expressed cautious optimism about resuming negotiations with Iran within days, even as tensions at sea and sharp rhetoric from both sides highlight the fragility of the ongoing ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could take place within 36 to 72 hours, with Islamabad emerging as a possible venue following Pakistan’s mediation efforts.

The remarks come after a temporary ceasefire created space for diplomacy, though both sides remain wary of each other’s intentions. Trump later dismissed reports of a strict deadline for Iran to present a proposal, saying there was no fixed timeline for negotiations or ending hostilities.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, rejected suggestions of internal divisions, maintaining that the country’s leadership remains unified on negotiations and national security.

The diplomatic push is unfolding amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where recent maritime incidents have raised fears of escalation.

According to reports, Iranian naval forces intercepted cargo vessels in the waterway, while another ship came under fire in a separate incident. The developments coincide with a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move Tehran considers a violation of the ceasefire.

Iranian leadership has stressed that meaningful negotiations cannot proceed unless such restrictions are lifted. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said any comprehensive truce must include the removal of maritime restrictions.

President Masoud Pezeshkian also pointed to the blockade and continued threats as major obstacles to dialogue, while reiterating Iran’s willingness to engage diplomatically under appropriate conditions.

Tehran has maintained that its military posture remains defensive, asserting that it did not initiate the conflict but reserves the right to respond to aggression.

Amid the uncertainty, Pakistan’s mediation role has been acknowledged by Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomacy would move forward only after necessary groundwork and confidence-building measures are established.

Read More: Attock Refinery resumes fuel supply after restoring operations

In a separate development, Trump claimed a humanitarian breakthrough, stating that Iran had halted the planned execution of eight detained women following his intervention. However, Iranian authorities had earlier denied that such executions were imminent, leaving the issue disputed.

Despite ongoing diplomatic engagement, differences over military actions and economic measures continue to hinder progress.

While the possibility of renewed talks offers cautious hope, continued tensions on the ground and at sea underscore the risk of a renewed escalation in the conflict.