President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran could begin as early as this weekend and suggested he was not certain the current two-week ceasefire would require extension, even though talks have stalled. Speaking outside the White House, Trump claimed they were “very close to making a deal,” adding he questioned the need to prolong the existing ceasefire.
Reuters reported Trump also expressed expectations for meetings with Iranian officials in coming days and referenced momentum in discussions, despite shifts toward a narrower interim arrangement.
The two sides remain significantly divided on critical issues including how much uranium Iran can enrich, the duration of any limitations, and the timeline for U.S. sanctions relief. Tehran seeks faster and broader easing while Washington advocates for longer-term restrictions.
Proposals under consideration include measures to curtail Iran’s nuclear activities and potential actions regarding highly enriched uranium, but disagreements persist over verification processes and whether any agreement would dismantle or merely cap existing capabilities.
The New York Times reported that U.S. officials support a longer freeze on enrichment and stricter monitoring, while Iranian negotiators have resisted limits they argue undermine their civilian nuclear program, creating a substantial gap between the parties.
Meanwhile, Reuters and other outlets noted disagreements on these points have led negotiators to focus on temporary or interim arrangements rather than a comprehensive deal.
This uncertainty has heightened concerns about whether the ceasefire—established to facilitate diplomacy—will need extension.
Associated Press stated the fragile ceasefire has been strained by ongoing military pressure, including an expanded U.S. naval blockade, raising questions about its sustainability without additional agreements.
Other outlets reported behind-the-scenes efforts to sustain talks. Time magazine noted officials are considering additional rounds of negotiations after earlier sessions failed to yield breakthroughs, with diplomats privately acknowledging unresolved major issues.
Regional coverage also highlighted a lack of consensus, with The Jerusalem Post reporting no agreement on extending the ceasefire despite intensified backchannel discussions.
Trump has publicly downplayed the need for more time, expressing confidence that a deal could emerge quickly if talks resume as soon as this weekend.
Earlier Thursday, Trump stated Israel and Lebanon had reached a separate 10-day ceasefire and invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House for talks.
He indicated Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were tasked with pursuing a broader agreement.
The diplomatic push coincided with escalating military pressure. At a Pentagon briefing, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine reported the U.S. had expanded its blockade to target “all ships, regardless of nationality,” while War Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the effort would continue as long as necessary.
