WASHINGTON DC: The Trump administration has voiced confidence about the possibility of striking a deal to end the conflict with Iran, while cautioning that economic pressure on Tehran would intensify if it refuses to comply.
US President Donald Trump said he believes the conflict he initiated alongside Israel in late February is close to ending, even as a newly announced shipping blockade has taken effect, significantly reducing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States indicated it may impose additional secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Iranian oil, aiming to strengthen its negotiating position. This comes shortly after Washington had eased enforcement of certain energy-related sanctions on Iran, Reuters reported.
Officials from both sides are considering returning to Pakistan for another round of talks as early as this weekend, after previous negotiations concluded without a breakthrough. Pakistan’s army chief arrived in Tehran on Wednesday in an effort to prevent further escalation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the Pakistan-mediated discussions as “productive and ongoing,” expressing optimism about reaching an agreement. She also dismissed reports that the U.S. had formally sought to extend the two-week ceasefire established on April 8.
While new in-person talks have yet to be finalized, they are expected to be held again in Pakistan, according to Reuters.
Pakistan’s military confirmed that Field Marshal Asim Munir is in Tehran to help bridge differences between the two sides. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed the visit, stating that Iran remains committed to fostering regional peace and stability.
Last weekend’s talks ended without a deal to stop the conflict, which began on February 28 and has since expanded, including Iranian strikes on Gulf neighbors and renewed clashes involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China’s purchases of Iranian oil are likely to decline due to the blockade, warning that countries continuing to buy Iranian crude could face sanctions. He also revealed that two Chinese banks had been cautioned against handling Iranian funds.
Bessent compared the planned financial measures to the scale of recent military operations, which have targeted Iranian leadership and weakened its defense capabilities.
He added that the U.S. would not extend waivers that previously allowed limited purchases of Russian and Iranian oil without penalties, signaling a shift away from earlier efforts to stabilize global energy markets.
The conflict has effectively led Iran to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical النفط and gas transit routes—causing a sharp drop in Gulf exports and forcing energy-importing nations to seek alternative supplies.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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