The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is nearing its deadline, with no agreement reached during talks held in Islamabad earlier this week. Since then, both sides have issued conflicting statements on whether the truce will be extended, keeping the situation uncertain.On Wednesday, there were signs of movement as a Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran carrying a fresh message from Washington and preparing the ground for a second round of talks. The delegation is led by Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, reinforcing the strong role of Pakistan’s military in diplomatic efforts. According to a statement by an official cited by PTI, another round of discussions is expected in the coming days.Reports also suggest that mediators are trying to find common ground on three key issues that stalled earlier talks including Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for wartime damages.
Deal or no deal?
A senior US official earlier said that talks with Iran were still ongoing but no decision had been finalised.The two sides continue to exchange barbs, meanwhile. US president Donald Trump said in an interview that the war was “very close to over” and claimed he was going to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian state media reported that a senior military commander warning of a complete halt to trade across the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea if the US did not lift its blockade on Iranian ports.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran was open to discussions on the type and level of uranium enrichment. However, he added that the country “based on its needs, must be able to continue enrichment,” according to state media.The war isn’t limited to words with reports of US moving about 10,000 more troops to the region. The deployment includes 6,000 personnel aboard the USS George HW Bush and its carrier strike group, which is currently sailing around Africa towards the region.
