Regional leaders within the Middle East have confirmed that negotiations for an end to the military conflict between the U.S. and Iran are taking place. These negotiations remain ongoing, despite President Trump’s repeated warnings of escalation if Iran does not agree to a deal that would open the critically important Strait of Hormuz.
On Saturday, President Trump reiterated his deadline in a post on Truth Social, giving Iran 48 hours to respond and open the Strait.
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump said. “Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”
On Tuesday, the Egyptian government released a statement confirming meetings between Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Egypt’s foreign minister. According to the statement, the meetings are intended to assess the situation and “to achieve de-escalation and reduce tensions.”
Pakistan has also been a key actor in facilitating negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in recent weeks. Sources reportedly described the precarious nature of peace negotiations after Iran launched a strike against Saudi Arabia’s industrial facilities. The strike could spur a response from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan under an existing defense agreement between the two nations, which would jeopardize any ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Sources described Iran’s negotiating posture as “taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations.” Pakistan is reportedly attempting to persuade Iran to enter into negotiations without prior conditions, after Iran rejected an offer for a temporary ceasefire. Iran has insisted that any peace talks must be accompanied by guarantees from the U.S. and Israel to permanently end strikes and to offer compensation for damages incurred thus far in the conflict.