The United States has expressed optimism about reaching a peace deal with Iran, as discussions continue over a possible second round of talks following last weekend’s failed negotiations in Islamabad.
U.S. officials said new diplomatic efforts are underway, with a Pakistani delegation arriving in Tehran carrying a message from Washington. The White House indicated that further talks could take place in Pakistan’s capital in the coming days. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that discussions “would very likely” continue there, adding that
we feel good about the prospects of a deal.
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions. Iran has warned it could shut down trade routes in the Red Sea and surrounding waters if the United States maintains its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Washington, however, has continued to apply pressure, with U.S. Central Command claiming it has “completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea.”
U.S. vice president JD Vance, who led the initial round of talks, said Iran is being offered a “grand bargain” aimed at ending the six-week war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as resolving long-standing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the United States share “identical” goals, including curbing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and reopening key shipping routes.
