The United States and Iran are moving toward a deal to end the war after marathon negotiations between the two countries ended in Islamabad over the weekend without a resolution.
Signs of willingness have surfaced in the past 12 hours, with the Trump administration expressing optimism about the prospects for a deal with Iran and Iran’s foreign minister reaffirming Iran’s commitment to promoting peace.
If you’re just joining us, check out the latest developments below.
Thursday talks: Iranian officials and Pakistan’s military commander Asim Munir are scheduled to meet in Tehran today to discuss recent communications between Iran and the United States, according to Iranian state media.
Message from Washington: Munir, a key intermediary between the United States and Iran, arrived in Tehran on Wednesday and met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to the Pakistani military, the Pakistani delegation led by Munir was carrying a message from the United States.
Pakistan leads diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations between US and Iran
CNN’s Nick Robertson in Islamabad reported on diplomatic efforts by Pakistani officials to re-establish peace talks between the US and Iran.
White House optimism: The Trump administration has expressed confidence in reaching a deal with Iran, and a second face-to-face meeting is likely to take place in Pakistan. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said that although nothing was official yet, she was “comfortable about the prospects for an agreement.”
Sanctions: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is “ready to apply secondary sanctions” against countries that buy Iranian oil or receive Iranian government funds. The ministry also announced sanctions against more than 20 individuals, companies and vessels for their involvement in Iranian oil and gas exports.
Naval blockade: The diplomacy comes as Iran threatens to halt shipping in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman if the US continues to blockade the country’s ports.
Stocks rally: Asian stocks rose on Thursday, hitting record highs for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index. Investor sentiment improved on expectations for an extension of the ceasefire and a final deal with Iran. Although still up compared to pre-war levels, the drop in oil prices spurred the stock market’s rise.
Espionage report: The Financial Times reports that Iran is using Chinese spy satellites to target U.S. bases. FT reporter Demetri Sevastopoulou told CNN Newsroom that Iran had signed a deal with a Chinese company, giving Iranian military control of the satellite.
Report: Iran used Chinese spy satellites to target US military bases
‘Hunger time bomb’: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has warned of a humanitarian crisis if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Mr Miliband called for the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow essential goods such as food and medical aid to pass through, warning that there could be a “ticking time bomb of famine” in June if not done.
Former British official warns of humanitarian crisis if Strait of Hormuz is not reopened
