Washington: International hopes for a swift end to the US-Iran conflict are weakening as actions and statements from both sides signal continued differences.
Efforts are under way to stop the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran. A temporary ceasefire is currently in place, but the first round of talks on a permanent ceasefire and related issues ended without agreement. Attempts are now being made to convene the next round.
In New Delhi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants to reach a “good agreement” with Iran, warning that otherwise the issue would have to be handled “in another way.” The remarks were seen as adding pressure at a sensitive stage of negotiations.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump posted on social media urging officials not to rush into an agreement, saying both sides should take the necessary time to shape a peace deal properly.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that while some progress has been made across several topics, it does not mean the sides are close to signing an agreement. Iran also said the current focus is on the ceasefire and the US blockade related to the Strait of Hormuz, and that contentious nuclear issues are not being discussed at present. With disagreements persisting, expectations of an early peace accord continue to decline.
