The United States has expressed optimism that peace talks with Iran will take place in Pakistan, while a senior Iranian official said Tehran is positively considering participation. However, significant obstacles and uncertainty remain as the ceasefire approaches its end.
اضافة اعلان
US President Donald Trump is seeking an agreement to prevent further increases in oil prices and shocks to stock markets, while insisting that Iran must not possess the capability to develop nuclear weapons.
Iran, for its part, hopes to leverage its control over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global energy supplies—to secure a deal that would prevent a return to war and ease sanctions, without hindering its nuclear program.
The Iranian official noted that Tehran is “positively considering” participation in the talks, marking a noticeable shift from earlier statements that ruled out involvement, though no final decision has been made.
A Pakistani source involved in the discussions said momentum is building for talks to resume on Wednesday, adding that President Trump may attend in person or virtually if an agreement is reached.
Oil Falls on Optimism Over Talks
Oil prices declined and stocks rose in early Asian trading on Tuesday amid expectations that peace talks between the United States and Iran could resume this week, after previous meetings in Islamabad collapsed without agreement. Oil prices had surged by about 6% on Monday due to uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
Brent crude futures fell by $0.54, or 0.6%, to $94.94 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude for May delivery dropped $1.11, or 1.2%, to $88.50.
Tensions Remain High
Tensions remain elevated, as Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as a US attack on the Iranian commercial vessel “Tuska” earlier this week, demanding its immediate release along with its crew and their families.
Iranian state media quoted the ministry as saying that Iran would use all its capabilities to defend its national interests and hold the United States fully responsible for any further escalation in the region.
The US Central Command stated that the vessel failed to comply with repeated warnings over six hours and had violated a US-imposed blockade. Maritime security sources suggested the ship may have been carrying materials considered by Washington to have dual-use potential.
China, the largest buyer of Iranian crude, expressed concern over what it called the “forced interception.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that US violations of the ceasefire represent a major obstacle to diplomacy, while senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of escalating pressure through port blockades, stating that Iran rejects negotiations under threat.
Trump: “They Will Negotiate”
The conflict has caused an unprecedented shock to global energy supplies, raising concerns that a prolonged crisis could push the global economy toward recession.
The United States has continued its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran briefly reopened and then closed the Strait of Hormuz again. The waterway typically handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has urged Washington to lift the blockade.
Trump said on Monday that Iran will negotiate, reiterating that Washington will not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons.
He stated, “They will negotiate, and hopefully they will reach a fair deal and rebuild their country, but they will not have a nuclear weapon.”
The United States has not specified the exact end time of the two-week ceasefire. A Pakistani source indicated it is set to expire at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday.
Pakistan Prepares to Host Talks
Pakistan is preparing to host the talks despite ongoing uncertainty about whether they will proceed. Officials said nearly 20,000 security personnel have been deployed across Islamabad.
According to US sources cited by Axios, Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for discussions on Iran, although earlier reports suggested he remained in the United States.
Trump warned on Sunday that the US would target infrastructure in Iran if Tehran rejects its conditions, continuing a pattern of recent threats.
Iran has warned it would strike power plants and desalination facilities in Gulf countries if the US targets its civilian infrastructure.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the US is close to reaching an agreement with Iran.
She stated that, thanks to the success of military operations and Trump’s firm negotiating approach, an agreement is within reach, adding that if it is not achieved, the president still has multiple options at his disposal and is not afraid to use them.
Reuters
