US-Iran War: The Trump administration expressed optimism on Wednesday about reaching a deal to end the war with Iran, while also warning of increasing economic pressure against Tehran if it remains defiant. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a news conference, “We feel good about the prospects of a deal,” calling conversations mediated by Pakistan “productive and ongoing.”
She denied reports that the US had formally requested an extension of the two-week ceasefire agreed by the two sides on April 8. More in-person talks had not yet been confirmed but would likely take place in Pakistan again, Leavitt said.
US-Iran War: What Is Happening With Pakistan’s Mediation?
Pakistan’s military confirmed Field Marshal Asim Munir had arrived in Tehran. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Munir, who had mediated the last round of talks, would seek “to narrow gaps” between the two sides. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X welcoming Munir and said Iran was committed to “promoting peace and stability in the region.”
The talks last weekend broke down without an agreement to end the war, which Trump began alongside Israel on February 28, triggering Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours and reigniting the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
US-Iran War: What Economic Pressure Is the US Applying?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking alongside Leavitt, predicted that China’s purchase of Iranian oil would “pause” given the US blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports. He said the US could impose secondary sanctions on countries that purchase Iranian crude. The US Treasury had warned two Chinese banks not to process Iranian money or face sanctions, he said, without naming the banks. China previously bought more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil.
Bessent also said the US would not renew waivers that allowed the purchase of some Russian and Iranian oil without facing US sanctions. “The Iranians should know that this is going to be the financial equivalent of what we saw in the kinetic activities,” Bessent said.
US-Iran War: What Is the Status of the US Blockade?
During the first 48 hours of the US blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past US forces, the US military said. Additionally, nine vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area.
However, Iran’s Fars News agency said an Iranian supertanker subject to US sanctions crossed the strait towards Iran’s Imam Khomeini port despite the blockade. Iran’s joint military command warned it would halt trade flows in the Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea if the US blockade continued.
US-Iran War: What Are the Nuclear Negotiation Positions?
Iran’s nuclear ambitions were a key sticking point at last weekend’s talks. The US proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity by Iran—an apparent concession from longstanding demands for a permanent ban—while Tehran suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.
Washington has also pressed for any enriched nuclear material to be removed from Iran, while Tehran has demanded that international sanctions against it be lifted. One source involved in the talks said back-channel discussions had made progress in narrowing gaps, bringing the two sides closer to a deal that could be presented at a new round of talks.
US-Iran War: What Is the Situation With Lebanon?
Further complicating peace efforts, Israel has continued to attack Lebanon as it targets Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel and the US say that campaign is not covered by the ceasefire, while Iran insists it is. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement on Wednesday evening that Israel was “prepared for any scenario” when it comes to the war with Iran.
US-Iran War: What Is Iran’s Proposal on the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the strait without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the US, providing a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said.
US-Iran War: What Did Trump Say About Escalation?
Trump has threatened to escalate if the war resumes. “We could take out every one of their bridges in one hour. We could take out every one of their power plants, electric power plants, in one hour. We don’t want to do that… so we’ll see what happens,” he told Fox Business Network.
FAQs: US-Iran Negotiations
Q: What is the US position on Iran’s nuclear program?
A: The US proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity. Iran suggested a halt of three to five years.
Q: Is the ceasefire being extended?
A: The White House denied reports that the US had formally requested an extension of the two-week ceasefire.
Q: What economic pressure is the US applying?
A: Secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian oil, including warnings to Chinese banks.
Q: Has the US blockade been effective?
A: The US military says no vessels have made it past in the first 48 hours, though Iran claims a supertanker crossed.
Q: Is Lebanon covered by the ceasefire?
A: Israel and the US say no; Iran insists it is. Israel continues to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Q: Who is mediating the talks?
A: Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to “narrow gaps” between the two sides.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
