Iran has signaled that it is prepared to return to negotiations as the United States pauses any expansion of its military campaign, though officials in Tehran remain deeply skeptical of Washington’s intentions.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would suspend its attacks in the Gulf as long as the United States also continues to hold its fire. The official cautioned, however, that Iran’s leadership remains doubtful about Washington’s true intentions and believes it is still too early to declare a broader shift.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump had chosen to give diplomacy another opportunity in an effort to determine whether an understanding could be reached that would prevent a renewed military escalation.

Behind the scenes, there have also been signs of limited progress. A source familiar with the discussions told Saudi outlet Al Arabiya that Iran informed Pakistan it had not withdrawn from talks involving mediators, but had only temporarily suspended its participation. Tehran also expressed willingness to resume negotiations in Doha, Geneva or Islamabad.

Iran reportedly presented mediators with its preferred order for the talks. Tehran wants discussions to begin with the Strait of Hormuz and regional shipping arrangements, followed by the issue of frozen Iranian funds, with its nuclear program addressed only at the final stage.

The Iranian side also made clear that it would not accept the establishment of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. It remains uncertain whether the contacts will lead to an agreement or merely a temporary pause, but the messages from both sides indicate an effort to explore a diplomatic opening after nearly two weeks of continuous military confrontation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)