Washington, USA — Tensions between the United States and Iran have resurfaced this week, even as a two-week ceasefire remains in place in the Middle East.
Talks between the two sides, hosted by mediator Pakistan, ended without an agreement after both delegations failed to find common ground.
According to the United States, Iran refused to halt its development of nuclear weapons.
Iran, on the other hand, pushed back, saying Washington’s demands were excessive and constantly changing.
These outcomes did not sit well with United States President Donald Trump.
In response, the US president announced that a blockade has begun in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels entering or leaving the key global shipping route.
Analysts say this latest development makes immediate peace talks unlikely, given the renewed strain.
However, there are signs that diplomacy may continue.
In a report by The New York Post on Tuesday, Trump said a possible second round of negotiations could take place within the next two days.
This development, he said, is following an initiative of Pakistan’s field marshal.
The United States then showed eagerness on peace talks following this report.
According to Vice President JD Vance, Trump is really aiming not just for a small deal, but a “grand bargain” — one where Iran agrees to halt. its nuclear program in exchange for being treated as a normal economic country.
As of now, Iran has not issued a direct response to the proposed new round of talks.
But officials from Pakistan, Iran, and several Gulf countries, cited in Reuters, say fresh negotiations could still take place also within this week in Pakistan.