US and Iran report progress on talks ending war, looking to next few days

Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan have all indicated that progress has been made in negotiations aimed at ending a war that has lasted for almost three months. Iran's foreign ministry stated that Tehran is focused on finalizing a memorandum of understanding after meetings between its top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi with Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir.

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There’s been some progress done, some progress made, even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done. ​There is a chance that, whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say.

Pakistani state media reported that Munir also met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Pakistani army described the negotiations as yielding "encouraging" progress towards a final understanding. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from India, confirmed that some progress had been achieved and suggested the U.S. might have an announcement in the coming days. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei noted a trend toward dispute reduction but acknowledged outstanding issues requiring mediation, stating, "We will have to wait and see where the situation ends in the next three or four days."

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The trend this week has been towards a reduction in disputes, but there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators. We will have to wait and see where the situation ends in the next three or four days.

The mediation efforts by Pakistan aim to bridge the divide between Iran and the U.S., a conflict that has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy markets. Reports suggest the talks centered on a 14-point document proposed by Iran. Baghaei highlighted the importance of lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping but prioritized ending the threat of new U.S. attacks and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Rubio reiterated U.S. demands, including Iran's inability to possess nuclear weapons, the unimpeded passage through the straits, and the handover of enriched uranium.

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Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. The straits ​need to be open without ​tolls. They need to turn over their enriched uranium.

Despite the reported progress, Iranian negotiator Qalibaf emphasized pursuing "legitimate rights" through both diplomacy and the battlefield, expressing distrust towards the U.S. He warned that any restart of the war by the U.S. would result in more forceful consequences. U.S. President Donald Trump, facing domestic pressure due to the war's impact on energy prices, indicated he would remain in Washington to focus on the situation.

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Iran would pursue its “legitimate rights”, both on the battlefield and through diplomacy, but added that it could not trust “a party that has no honesty at all”.