United States President Donald Trump has held constructive talks with the Iranian side over the possibility of ending the ongoing hostilities through a ceasefire in the coming weeks.
Trump said, “It’s very possible we’ll make a deal.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the “latest proposal from the United States on ending the war is still under consideration” and that Tehran will convey its response to mediator Pakistan after finalising its review.
However, the Iranian side faces a daunting task in convincing its population, which has endured multiple attacks from Israel and the United States, allegedly violating diplomatic norms even as talks were underway.
Iranians have paid a heavy price in the war with the US and Israel, with estimates suggesting between 3,000 and 8,000 casualties since June last year and economic losses exceeding $350 billion. The Iranian economy, already reeling under sanctions, is facing severe difficulties, though the leadership is trying to project that the situation is under control.
The deadlock over Iran's nuclear program centers on Iran's refusal to surrender enriched uranium, despite US and Israeli demands for Iran to transfer around 400 kgs to a third country such as China or Russia.
To add to the tensions, reports suggest Trump has deployed nearly 50,000 US troops along with aircraft carriers, frigates, and destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz, preparing to resume hostilities if the deadlock in talks persists.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Lebanon, Israel’s air campaign has killed hundreds despite a ceasefire brokered by Washington last month.
Israeli forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire, killing at least 13 people in attacks across the country on Wednesday, including a strike on Beirut targeting a senior Hezbollah commander.
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