President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a deal with Iran is “very possible” following encouraging talks over the past 24 hours. However, he also threatened to resume bombing if negotiations fall apart. Despite Trump’s optimism, Iran has not yet responded to the latest US proposal. Its chief negotiator warned that Washington is trying to force Tehran’s “surrender.”
Positive Signs After Weeks of Deadlock
The prospect of renewed diplomacy grew after Trump halted a short-lived military operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He cited hopes for a deal. On social media, Trump said if “Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to,” the war would be over. But if not, the bombing would resume “at a much higher level and intensity.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll make a deal.”
Iran’s Cautious Response
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told local media that the “US plan and proposal are still under review.” Tehran will convey its position to mediator Pakistan after finalizing its views.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker who has taken the lead in negotiations, warned that Washington “is seeking, through a naval blockade, economic pressure and media manipulation, to destroy the country’s cohesion in order to force us to surrender.”
Military Actions Continue
Despite diplomatic momentum, military actions continue. The US military said a Navy warplane fired on and disabled the rudder of an oil tanker that tried to break Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. Trump said the blockade would remain as long as Tehran keeps its own chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. But citing progress toward a deal, he said a new effort to reopen the vital trade route “will be paused for a short period of time.”
Regional and Global Reaction
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator in last month’s talks in Islamabad, expressed optimism. “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said on social media.
US news outlet Axios, citing two US officials, reported that both sides are close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding. The document would end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations.
Oil Prices Drop
Investors welcomed the more conciliatory tone. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier said the US has completed its offensive operations against Iran. Following these remarks and the pause in military efforts to guide ships through the strait, international oil benchmark Brent and West Texas Intermediate both tumbled below $100 a barrel. Stock markets rallied.
Unease in Tehran
But in Tehran, not everyone is hopeful. One resident told AFP that the prospect of any deal with the current government is “terrifying.” A 43-year-old translator said, “We’ve gone through so much hardship and suffering, and no achievements for people? I honestly just hope they finish this regime.”
UN Resolution in the Works
Washington and Gulf countries have drafted a UN Security Council resolution demanding Tehran halt attacks, disclose mine locations, and end efforts to charge tolls in the strait. A vote is expected in the coming days.
What Comes Next
Trump insists Iran will hand over its enriched uranium to the US, though he has not explained how this key point of contention would be resolved. Iran’s top diplomat met his Chinese counterpart in Beijing to review ongoing negotiations. For now, the ceasefire holds. But the next days will determine whether diplomacy wins or the bombing resumes.
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