Trump hints at Iran talks in coming days amid naval blockade
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Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that a second round of direct talks with Iran could occur "over the next two days", hinting at a diplomatic thaw even as America maintains a naval blockade on Iranian-linked shipping.
In an interview with The New York Post, Trump suggested Pakistan as a potential venue, stating: "Something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there" to Islamabad. This follows a fruitless first round, with initial plans for Europe now shifting.
Tensions simmer in the Gulf, where US Central Command reported no Iranian ships breaching the blockade in its first 24 hours. Six merchant vessels heeded US orders and returned to Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. Shipping data paints a nuanced view: some Iran-linked vessels navigated the Strait of Hormuz post-blockade but altered course in open waters, while over 20 non-Iranian commercial ships—including tankers and cargo vessels—passed freely.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking in Georgia, outlined Washington's aim for a comprehensive deal allowing Iran economic prosperity in exchange for abandoning nuclear ambitions.
Regionally, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to direct negotiations following rare Washington talks, aiming to ease Iran-related strains. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged persistence, predicting resumed US-Iran dialogue.
Markets responded swiftly: US crude futures plunged nearly 8 per cent to multi-week lows on de-escalation hopes. Yet the blockade's future remains unclear; the Strait of Hormuz handles a vital portion of global oil, and past disruptions have spiked energy prices and security fears.
This standoff echoes decades of US-Iran friction over Tehran's nuclear programme and regional influence, with past sanctions-relief deals repeatedly faltering.
(Inputs from IANS)