US-Iran Pause Holds a Fourth Day as Trump Warns Time Is Short
The pause in fighting between the United States and Iran held into a fourth day, as indirect, Oman-mediated talks continued over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said the two sides were in “very deep” talks but warned that time was running out, threatening “very strong military action” if they failed. Iran insisted there were no direct negotiations, only messages passed through mediators.
Iran’s foreign-ministry spokesman, Esmail Baqaei, said “we currently have no negotiations with the United States”, and a deputy minister accused Washington of making “extreme demands” that Tehran had rejected. The sticking point is said to be whether tolls for safe passage through Hormuz would be mandatory or voluntary. Qatari and Pakistani mediators reported “significant progress”, but the overnight drone strikes on Saudi and other targets showed how easily the truce could unravel. No ceasefire has been signed. Watch whether Mr Trump’s deadline forces a deal or a return to war.