Speaking at a Turning Point USA event, Vance said distrust between Washington and Tehran remains a fundamental obstacle to any durable agreement. “There is a lot of, of course, mistrust between Iran and the United States of America.

You are not going to solve that problem overnight,” he said, while adding that Iranian negotiators appeared willing to reach a deal.Vance, who participated in recent negotiations held in Pakistan, said he was cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of talks.

“I feel very good about where we are,” he said, signaling confidence in ongoing diplomatic efforts despite recent setbacks.Donald Trump said on Tuesday that discussions aimed at ending the Iran war could resume in Pakistan within days, following the collapse of negotiations over the weekend.

The breakdown prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports, escalating economic and military pressure on Tehran.A two-week ceasefire between US and Iranian forces remains in effect, with one week remaining, offering a limited window for diplomatic engagement.

The pause in hostilities follows weeks of intensified conflict that began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran.Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, expanding the geographic scope of the conflict.

Subsequent US-Israeli operations inside Iran, along with Israeli strikes in Lebanon, have resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement, according to official accounts.

The evolving situation underscores the complexity of negotiations, with diplomatic momentum constrained by entrenched mistrust and ongoing military developments.

Iran and the United States have agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire, marking a temporary pause in hostilities that have disrupted regional stability and threatened global energy supply routes, according to statements from officials in both countries and mediators involved in the talks.

The agreement provides for an immediate halt to attacks and the reopening of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments. Iranian authorities said safe passage would be coordinated with their armed forces during the ceasefire period, indicating continued operational control over the waterway.

The announcement was confirmed by Shehbaz Sharif, who said the ceasefire would apply “everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere” and take effect immediately. Sharif also invited both sides to send delegations to Islamabad for talks aimed at reaching a longer-term settlement, positioning Pakistan as a key mediator in the process.

Officials in Washington and Tehran offered differing emphases on the agreement. Donald Trump described the ceasefire as a “total and complete victory” for the United States, stating that US military objectives had been achieved and that discussions toward a broader peace arrangement were already advanced. He added that Washington would suspend further military action, including previously stated threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure, contingent on compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran would halt what he described as “defensive operations” to facilitate negotiations. He said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that Washington had accepted as the basis for talks, while also reviewing a separate 15-point proposal put forward by the United States.

Despite these developments, there were inconsistencies in how the ceasefire’s geographic scope was described. Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the agreement did not extend to Lebanon, contradicting assertions by Pakistani officials and some US sources that the ceasefire would apply across multiple fronts. The discrepancy highlights ongoing uncertainty over the terms and implementation of the arrangement.

No official text of either proposal has been publicly released. However, details reported by Iranian state media suggest that Tehran’s 10-point plan includes provisions for maintaining its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, securing the lifting of sanctions, unfreezing overseas assets, and obtaining compensation for damages.

The proposal is also reported to call for the withdrawal of US forces from the region, recognition of Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities, and a binding United Nations resolution to formalize any final agreement.

Iranian diplomatic messaging has reinforced these positions, emphasizing continued control over strategic waterways and a cessation of hostilities across multiple regional theaters. Tehran has also indicated that any lasting agreement would need to address broader geopolitical and economic demands, including sanctions relief and security guarantees.

By contrast, the US proposal is reported by regional sources cited by CNN to focus on nuclear and security constraints. The 15-point framework is believed to include commitments by Iran to forgo nuclear weapons development, surrender highly enriched uranium, limit its defense capabilities, and curtail support for regional proxy groups. It also includes provisions to ensure the continued operation of the Strait of Hormuz as an open international shipping route.

Iran has previously rejected these terms, describing them as “excessive, unrealistic and unreasonable,” suggesting that significant gaps remain between the two sides despite the temporary ceasefire.The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a central component of the agreement, given its importance to global energy markets.

Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has immediate implications for oil prices and supply chains, making the ceasefire’s maritime provisions a key focus for international stakeholders.

The two-week timeframe underscores the provisional nature of the arrangement, with both sides framing the ceasefire as an opportunity to advance negotiations rather than a definitive resolution. Diplomatic engagement is expected to intensify in the coming days, particularly with the proposed talks in Islamabad.

While the agreement signals a de-escalation after a period of heightened tensions, the absence of a publicly verified framework and conflicting statements from key actors point to a fragile understanding that will depend on sustained diplomatic coordination and adherence to interim commitments.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the address in a post on X late Tuesday, stating that Trump would speak at 9:00 p.m. to outline developments related to Iran.

The announcement came shortly after Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that U.S. forces could withdraw from Iran within “two or three weeks,” indicating that military objectives were nearing completion.

His remarks suggested that a withdrawal timeline would not necessarily depend on reaching a negotiated agreement with Tehran.The address is expected to provide further clarity on the administration’s strategy as the conflict continues to affect regional stability and global energy markets.

The White House did not release additional details on the content of the speech.The Iran conflict, which began in late February, has involved sustained U.S. military operations alongside escalating tensions across the broader Middle East.

The report, citing Department of Defense officials, said the proposed deployment could include infantry units and armored assets, reflecting a broader effort to reinforce the U.S. posture in a region already on heightened alert amid the ongoing Iran conflic.

The potential troop increase would add to a growing U.S. presence in the region. The Pentagon is preparing to send at least 1,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, according to earlier reporting by the Associated Press.

This would come alongside approximately 5,000 Marines being repositioned to the Middle East, on top of an existing force of around 50,000 U.S. personnel.The incremental buildup has fueled speculation that Washington is positioning itself for possible limited ground operations tied to strategic objectives linked to Iran’s energy infrastructure and regional waterways.

Analysts say U.S. ground forces could be capable of securing key maritime chokepoints or energy facilities, but warn of the potential for a prolonged and costly engagement. Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense, said that while such operations are feasible, the broader question remains whether they are strategically justified.

He noted that diplomacy remains the preferred pathway, though its success depends on both sides demonstrating willingness to compromise.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran had allowed several Pakistan-flagged oil tankers to transit a key maritime route, describing the move as a possible positive signal in the context of ongoing tensions.

The administration continues to balance military preparedness with diplomatic outreach, as indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran raise the prospect of negotiations even as force levels in the region expand.

Witkoff, speaking during a cabinet meeting, confirmed for the first time that the United States had passed the proposal via Pakistan, which is facilitating indirect communication between the two sides.

He said the effort sought to present Iran with what he described as a critical juncture, warning that failure to engage could lead to further escalation.

Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said the United States and Iran had already held indirect contacts and were preparing for a potential face-to-face meeting. He told Deutschlandfunk radio that such a meeting could take place “very soon” in Pakistan, though no official date was disclosed.

Pakistan’s role as a conduit underscores the absence of direct diplomatic ties between Washington and Tehran, with both sides relying on intermediaries to exchange proposals amid heightened regional tensions.

lAccording to the details outlined by Witkoff, the U.S. proposal includes stringent conditions on Iran’s nuclear activities. These include a prohibition on weaponization, dismantling of the Fordow nuclear facility, cessation of uranium enrichment, a ban on stockpiling nuclear material, and the transfer of enriched uranium to the United States.

Iranian authorities are currently reviewing the proposal, though no formal response has been announced.

The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of an ongoing Middle East conflict that has drawn in multiple regional actors and intensified scrutiny of Iran’s military and nuclear posture. U.S. officials have framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to reduce hostilities and prevent further destabilization.

Witkoff said the outcome would depend on whether Tehran views the current moment as an opportunity to shift course, adding that discussions remain at a preliminary stage.

The announcement comes amid a four-week conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has killed thousands and disrupted global energy markets, driving up oil and liquefied natural gas prices and intensifying inflation concerns worldwide.

Deadline extended amid conflicting claimsTrump said talks with Iran were “going very well” and announced a 10-day pause on threatened attacks on Iranian energy facilities, extending an earlier five-day halt declared on March 23.

The pause is set to expire on April 6 at 2000 EDT.Iran, however, said it was not engaged in direct talks with Washington, and officials indicated the U.S. had not clarified who it was negotiating with, as senior Iranian leadership has been significantly affected by the conflict.

Mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal said Tehran had not requested the 10-day pause, while Trump told Fox News that Iran had sought a shorter, seven-day reprieve. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities.

The conflict has sharply disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas. Oil prices have surged about 40% since hostilities began, with Brent crude rising above $105 per barrel.

Iran has warned it would retaliate against energy infrastructure in the Gulf if U.S. strikes proceed, raising concerns about tit-for-tat attacks on civilian facilities that could further destabilize energy markets and regional economies.Global equities have also come under pressure, with major indexes declining amid uncertainty over the conflict’s trajectory.

The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, according to U.S. media reports, while also confirming the use of uncrewed drone speedboats in operations against Iran.

Trump reiterated that the United States could escalate pressure if Iran fails to comply with demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and curbing its nuclear programme, and said control of Iran’s oil resources remained an option without elaborating.

An Iranian official said a 15-point U.S. proposal conveyed through Pakistan was reviewed by senior leadership and deemed unacceptable as it primarily served U.S. and Israeli interests.

The proposal reportedly included demands to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, limit missile capabilities and alter control over key waterways.

Pakistan’s foreign minister said indirect communication channels remain open, with Turkey and Egypt also involved in mediation efforts.Iran has hardened its negotiating stance, seeking guarantees against future military action, compensation for war damage and greater control over maritime routes, while also insisting that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire framework.

Meanwhile, hostilities continued on multiple fronts, with Iran launching missile strikes on Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, and Israeli strikes hitting targets in southern and central Iran, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

In a statement, the United States Department of State said Rubio expressed “gratitude” to the KRG for enabling oil from Iraq, including from the Kurdistan region, to reach international markets at a time when global prices have been unsettled by the conflict.

Rubio also conveyed condolences to families of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters killed in a March 24 missile attack and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Kurdish authorities said at least six fighters were killed and about 30 wounded when missiles struck a military base north of Irbil.

A Peshmerga statement attributed the attack to Iran, describing it as a “treacherous attack” involving ballistic missiles targeting a headquarters facility in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Iran war, which began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has widened into a broader regional confrontation. Tehran has since launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases, while Israeli strikes have extended into Lebanon.

The escalation has rattled global markets, particularly oil, as supply routes and production hubs face heightened risk.Policy signals from WashingtonU.S.

President Donald Trump has offered varying objectives for the conflict, ranging from regime change in Iran to degrading its military and missile capabilities.

On Thursday, he said he believed his side had prevailed in the war, even as hostilities and their economic fallout continue.

The call with Kurdish leadership highlights Washington’s focus on maintaining energy flows and regional partnerships amid ongoing instability.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iranian negotiators were “begging for a deal,” dismissing Tehran’s public stance as inaccurate. Araghchi, speaking on state television, said there had been no direct dialogue with Washington, adding that exchanges via intermediaries did not constitute negotiations.

He said Iran was conveying its positions and warnings through friendly countries.The divergence in messaging comes as military operations continue. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets since late February, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states.

A U.S. Central Command briefing said more than 10,000 targets had been struck, with significant degradation of Iran’s naval, missile, and drone capabilities.

The conflict has disrupted global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Its effective closure has triggered what officials describe as a severe energy shock, driving up fuel prices and straining supply chains across industries from aviation to agriculture.

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of ADNOC, described restrictions on Hormuz as “economic terrorism,” warning of global consequences. Governments are considering intervention measures similar to those deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses face rising costs and weakening demand.

The World Food Programme has warned that prolonged disruption could push tens of millions into acute hunger, with farmers and fisheries already facing fuel shortages.

A 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Iran through Pakistan, includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and halting support for regional allies, according to Israeli sources familiar with the plan.

The White House has not publicly detailed the proposal.Israeli officials expressed skepticism that Tehran would accept the terms and voiced concern that U.S. negotiators could offer concessions.

Iran, according to regional sources, has insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire framework involving Washington and Israel.

Financial markets reflected fading optimism over a near-term resolution. Global equities weakened on Thursday while oil prices resumed their upward trajectory. Analysts cited diminishing expectations of a ceasefire as a key driver of volatility.

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy additional airborne troops to the Gulf, supplementing Marine units already en route, according to sources. The buildup is intended to expand military options as the conflict risks widening.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the situation could escalate further, urging a shift from military confrontation to diplomacy.

According to the report, some officials in the White House view Ghalibaf as a pragmatic figure who could engage in negotiations with Washington as the conflict with Iran enters a new phase.

The report said discussions remain preliminary and are being conducted quietly within the administration. Ghalibaf is seen by certain policymakers as a figure capable of navigating Iran’s political structure while maintaining enough authority to enter into talks with the United States.

There was no immediate comment from the White House on the report.Context of rising tensionsThe deliberations come amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran, including ongoing military exchanges and heightened regional instability.

The conflict has drawn in multiple actors across the Middle East, increasing the risk of broader escalation.Uncertainty over Tehran’s stanceIt remains unclear how such considerations would be received in Tehran.

Iranian officials have publicly rejected claims of engagement with Washington, with Ghalibaf himself recently denying that any negotiations with the United States have taken place.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said discussions over the past two days had raised the prospect of a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” Speaking later to reporters before departing Florida for Memphis, he described the talks as “very, very strong,” adding that negotiators had reached agreement on “almost all points.”

Trump said U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had previously engaged in negotiations with Iran, held discussions with a senior Iranian official on Sunday evening and were expected to continue talks on Monday. He declined to identify the Iranian interlocutor, stating only that it was not the country’s supreme leader, and said Washington was engaging with “the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader.”

Reporter for Axios said officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan had separately met Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, suggesting a coordinated mediation effort. Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged unspecified “initiatives” aimed at reducing tensions, according to the Mehr news agency, and reiterated that Tehran expected Washington to participate directly in any negotiations as a principal party to the conflict.

The diplomatic push comes hours before a previously signaled U.S. deadline that had raised the prospect of escalation targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, a move widely seen as carrying significant regional and economic risks.

Trump said he had communicated with Israel, describing the U.S. ally as supportive of ongoing diplomatic efforts. A source briefed on Israeli planning said Washington had kept Israel informed of its contacts with Tehran and indicated that Israel was likely to mirror the U.S. pause by suspending any targeting of Iranian power plants and related infrastructure.

Trump’s comments helped ease immediate concerns of escalation, with oil prices falling and stock markets recovering as investors reassessed geopolitical risk. The prospect of a temporary halt in strikes on energy assets signaled a reduced likelihood of near-term disruption to regional supply.

Diplomatic contacts are expected to continue in the coming days as intermediaries seek to bridge remaining gaps between Washington and Tehran.