Iran Seeks Quicker Ceasefire Talks as Trump Signals Negotiation Progress

Tehran has indicated that it could implement its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, should the United States agree to its terms. US President Donald Trump remarked on Monday at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, that discussions were progressing positively. "It looks like that’s coming together very nicely," he stated, adding that oil prices had dropped following reports of potential peace. Trump claimed that the decline in oil prices, seen as a result of expectations of an imminent end to hostilities with Iran, could be significant, with prices dropping nearly $10 a barrel.

Trump's remarks followed a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he acknowledged Iran's eagerness for a swift resolution. He noted, "It could happen!" With these developments, US Vice President JD Vance shared that Washington has engaged in fruitful discussions with Iranian officials, expressing optimism about the potential for a settlement. Vance stated, "We’re going to keep on working at it. We’ve certainly made some progress. We’ll see if we can make some more."

When questioned about a deadline for negotiations, Vance clarified that none had been established, though he emphasised that any agreement would require Iran's commitment to not revive its nuclear programme, which he claimed had already been dismantled by the US.

Iran's officials stated that their proposal for a ceasefire remained intact but could be enacted within a shorter timeframe than initially suggested. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that if their demands were met, the restoration of security in the Strait of Hormuz and the commencement of negotiations could occur swiftly. "All of this depends on how the American side wants to proceed regarding the future of this process," Baghaei stated.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly empowered the government to expedite discussions with the US in their efforts to terminate the ongoing conflict. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's readiness for both diplomatic engagement and military action, with Qatar and Pakistan facilitating indirect talks.

Araghchi mentioned, "By accepting these conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened, and negotiations will resume. Otherwise, the current situation will continue, and Iran will not bow down." Previously, Iran indicated that its plan could be put into action within a week if the United States met several key conditions, including lifting the naval blockade of its ports and repealing sanctions. However, no indication has emerged that Tehran's demands have changed or that the US is prepared to accept the proposal.

Despite the ongoing discussions, Trump has reiterated the possibility of military action against Iran, suggesting that the US might take decisive steps following the midterm elections on November 3. He asserted that the conflict with Iran would conclude "very soon, one way or the other," indicating that Iran would either negotiate or face military repercussions.