US and Iran Report Progress in Talks as Trump Issues an Ultimatum
Mediators reported “significant” progress in indirect talks between the United States and Iran, as an American pause in air strikes held for a third day. President Trump called the negotiations “very deep” but warned they must move quickly, saying it would “either go fast or not at all” and threatening a return to “very strong military action” if they failed. Iran said it would keep its fire only while Washington held off.
The two sides are said to be working on a mechanism to guarantee safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the flashpoint of a war that has raged for a fortnight. Iran’s foreign-ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, said mediators might pass American messages to Tehran but denied that direct negotiations were taking place. The de-escalation has already sent oil tumbling to the high $80s, easing fears of a global energy shock. Yet deep mistrust remains, and Mr Trump’s ultimatum leaves little room. Watch whether the talks yield a formal ceasefire or collapse under the deadline.