U.S.–Iran Talks Expected to Resume in Pakistan This Weekend; Trump Optimistic War Is “Very Close to Ending” | WPN World People News

A two-week temporary ceasefire agreement is set to expire on the 21st. On the 16th, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled optimism, stating that the U.S.–Iran war is “very close to ending.” He also announced that Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military leader Asim Munir have been shuttling between Riyadh, Doha, and Tehran to create conditions for restarting negotiations. Trump revealed that representatives from both the United States and Iran are expected to meet again this weekend, on the 18th, in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. He noted that Iran is “very eager to reach a deal” and described current relations between the two sides as “very good.”

The bottom line in the negotiations is that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Trump added that a final peace agreement would bring the United States “free oil” and stable control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite Trump’s optimism, significant differences remain on key issues. These include the duration of any suspension of uranium enrichment and how existing stockpiles should be handled. In addition, Iran is demanding that the U.S. unfreeze tens of billions of dollars in overseas assets and provide a clear timetable for lifting sanctions, in exchange for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The original goal of achieving a “comprehensive peace agreement” may not be attainable, with both sides instead considering a “temporary memorandum” to prevent a resumption of hostilities.

While diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. military pressure on Iran has not ceased. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a navigation blockade targeting Iranian ports has been fully implemented. In the past 72 hours, 14 vessels linked to Iran have been forced to turn back.

If no breakthrough is achieved in this weekend’s talks, the U.S. military is highly likely to resume heavy strikes on civilian infrastructure within Iran, such as power plants and refineries. The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether the Middle East moves toward peace or descends into a new and more intense round of conflict.