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US cites optimism over a deal even as Iran threatens to shut down Red Sea shipping
US Treasury to end Iran oil waivers, warning China – top buyer – that banks risk secondary sanctions as American pressure intensifies
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Dewey Simin Washington
The White House on Wednesday dismissed as untrue reports that the US had sought to extend a ceasefire with Iran, while confirming that discussions over a second round of in-person negotiations were under way after marathon talks in Islamabad last week ended without a breakthrough.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that discussions were under way about a further round of talks with Tehran but “nothing is official”, adding that the negotiations would “very likely” be held in Pakistan again.
“We feel good about the prospects of a deal,” she said at a press briefing.
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“It’s obviously in the best interest of Iran to meet the president’s demands. I think he’s made his red lines in these negotiations very clear to the other side. And so we are continuing to see how these conversations go.”
A second round of talks has been taking shape as the US continued to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and put pressure on Iran. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that negotiations “could be happening over the next two days” and on Wednesday said the war was “very close to over”.
Iranians dismiss Trump threats to block Hormuz Strait
Iranians dismiss Trump threats to block Hormuz Strait
But even as Trump appeared confident of reaching a deal with Iran, signs of escalation were evident as Iran’s military on Wednesday threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless Washington lifted its naval blockade on Tehran’s ports.
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