- Trump announced new negotiations with Iran amid ongoing tensions.
- Iran's foreign ministry stated it would not host a delegation or be guests of a country during those days, leaving unclear whether indirect talks via mediators could go ahead.
- Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar are expected to engage in indirect talks, with sources indicating they are ready to fly to Tehran.
- Iran is negotiating with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that these negotiations are in their final stages.
- Trump called off major attacks on Iran at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE; Brent crude futures slid $4.08 after the move.
- Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft warned that repeated escalations and cancellations have harmed prospects for negotiations, stating that all credibility for negotiations is going to be lost.
- Alan Eyre expressed skepticism, saying it was highly doubtful that talks or an agreement were underway, while Charles Kupchan noted a Hormuz framework might be possible but a nuclear agreement was far off.
- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the Pentagon was ready to attack Iran at levels not seen since World War II and that the US remains locked and loaded.
President Trump announced on Sunday that negotiations with Iran are imminent, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and denuclearization. However, skepticism looms as Iranian officials express reluctance to engage directly.145
"We are not going to host a delegation or be guests of a country during these days," stated an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warned that Trump's pattern of escalation and retreat undermines the credibility of negotiations.6
"At some point, all credibility for negotiations is going to be lost," he said.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, U.S. military readiness remains high, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asserting that the Pentagon is prepared for attacks at levels not seen since World War II.8
"The US remains locked and loaded," he added, indicating a readiness to respond to any provocations.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen increased tensions due to U.S. naval blockades.
As negotiations are set to begin, the international community watches closely, weighing the potential for peace against the backdrop of military readiness and skepticism from both sides.
“Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated negotiations with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages, following recent closures due to US and Israeli air strikes. Meanwhile, experts warn that repeated escalations by Trump could undermine the credibility of any potential agreements.”
